my young friend, Jupheena, on the happy
addition to the number of her youthful friends."

"Our beloved Ashpenaz may well congratulate," replied the young beauty;
"and let him be assured that his congratulations are warmly appreciated."

"And how does our young friend from Judah enjoy the society of her
Chaldean friends?"

"Thy young handmaiden enjoys their society much," modestly replied
Perreeza. "If she stands in any danger, it must be from an excess of
kindness."

"I trust the maid of Judah will sustain no material injury from any
amount of kindness received in my house," said Barzello, laughing. "If
she does, she must charge it to herself; for, under the circumstances, to
be less kind is entirely out of our power."

"Barzello," cried the visitor, "thy house is a famous spot for officers
to forget their great hurry. Come, my good friend, business is pressing;
let us be away. A good-day to the 'two beauties instead of one.'"

And the two officers hurried from the apartment, entered a chariot, and
were on their way to the appointed place.

"A charming damsel that, Barzello."

"All of that, my worthy friend."

"What are her literary attainments?"

"All that Judah's capital could bestow."

"How will she compare with the refined maids of Babylon?"

"She will compare favorably with the most polished in Chaldea."

"Verily. And the brothers?"

"All thy richest fancies could paint them."

"And yet captives of war!"

"Yea--captives of war."

"The captivity of genius must be of short duration."

The chariot halted. The two officers alighted, and without delay they
hastened to the apartments of the Hebrew youths.

"A happy day to the youths of Judah," said Barzello, in a lively tone.
"This is my noble friend, Ashpenaz, a high officer of the king at the
palace. From this hour ye are to be under his special directions."

"Thy servants," replied Daniel, bowing gracefully, "will be greatly
delighted to be placed in any spot where they can be of service to their
worthy superiors."

"To-morrow, then," said Ashpenaz, "ye shall enter upon new duties, and
commence your important studies. Your teachers are in readiness--men of
superior powers of mind, and well versed in the art of teaching. The king
himself will be greatly interested in your progress, and therefore has
prepared apartments for the students within the royal enclosures, where
he will at times appear personally to learn of their advancement.
To-morr