s of the Israelites, but of a higher and finer type. Her
face was almost oval, with soft black hair, and delicately marked
eyebrows running almost in a straight line below her forehead. Her
eyes were large and soft, with long lashes veiling them, but there was
a firmness about the lips and chin that spoke of a determined will,
and gave strength to her declaration "Never."

There was silence a moment, and then Chebron said almost timidly:

"My father, although high priest of Osiris, is not a bigot in his
religion. He is wise and learned, and views all things temperately, as
my friends here can tell you. He knows of your religion; for I have
heard him say that when they first came into this land the Israelites
worshiped one God only. I have a sister who is of about the same age
as Ruth, and is gentle and kind. I am sure that if I ask my father he
will take your grandchild into his household to be a friend and
companion to Mysa, and I am certain that he would never try to shake
her religion, but would let her worship as she chooses."

The old man looked fixedly at Chebron.

"Your speech is pleasant and kind, young sir, and your voice has an
honest ring. A few years back I would have said that I would rather
the maiden were dead than a handmaid in the house of an Egyptian; but
as death approaches we see things differently, and it may be that she
would be better there than among those who once having known the true
God have forgotten him and taken to the worship of idols. I have
always prayed and believed that God would raise up protectors for
Ruth, and it seems to me now that the way you have been brought hither
in these latter days of my life is the answer to my prayer. Ruth, my
child, you have heard the offer, and it is for you to decide. Will you
go with this young Egyptian lord and serve his sister as a handmaiden,
or will you return to the villages of our people?"

Ruth had risen to her feet now, and was looking earnestly at Chebron,
then her eyes turned to the faces of Amuba and Jethro, and then slowly
went back again to Chebron.

"I believe that God has chosen for me," she said at last, "and has
sent them here not only to save my life, but to be protectors to me;
their faces are all honest and good. If the father of this youth will
receive me, I will, when you leave me, go and be the handmaid of his
daughter."

"It is well," the old man said. "Now I am ready to depart, for my
prayers have been heard. May God