t a throne,
built of the pure gold of their own gentle hearts.

CHAPTER VI

CALEB

It may be wondered whether any girl who was ever born into the world
could boast a stranger or a happier upbringing than Miriam. She was, it
is true, motherless, but by way of compensation Fate endowed her with
several hundred fathers, each of whom loved her as the apple of his
eye. She did not call them "Father" indeed, a term which under the
circumstances they thought incorrect. To her, one and all, they went
by the designation of "Uncle," with their name added if she happened to
know it, if not as Uncle simply. It cannot be said, however, that Miriam
brought peace to the community of the Essenes. Indeed, before she had
done with them she rent it with deep and abiding jealousies, to the
intense but secret delight of Nehushta, who, although she became a
person of great importance among them as the one who had immediate
charge of their jewel, could never forgive them certain of their
doctrines or their habit of persistent interference.

The domiciliary visits which took place twice a week, and, by special
subsequent resolution passed in full Court, on the Sabbath also,
were, to begin with, the subject of much covert bitterness. At first a
standing committee was appointed to make these visits, of whom Ithiel
was one. Before two years had gone by, however, much murmuring arose
in the community upon this matter. It was pointed out in language that
became vehement--for an Essene--that so much power should not be left in
the hands of one fixed set of individuals, who might become careless or
prejudiced, or, worst of all, neglectful of the welfare of the child who
was the guest not of them only, but of the whole order. It was demanded,
therefore, that this committee should change automatically every month,
so that all might serve upon it in turn, Ithiel, as the blood-relation
of Miriam, remaining its only permanent member. This proposal was
opposed by the committee, but as no one else would vote for them the
desired alteration was made. Further, to be removed temporarily, or
for good, from its roster was thenceforth recognised as one of the
punishments of the order.

Indeed, the absurdities to which its existence gave rise, especially as
the girl grew in years, sweetness and beauty, cannot be numbered. Thus,
every visiting member must wash his whole person and clothe himself in
clean garments before he was allowed to approach the chil