iency of rejecting him from the fellowship
of their peaceful order. Had they known that when he vanished he left
behind him a drawn sword and one of his forefingers, their opinion on
this point might have been strengthened. But this they did not know,
although Miriam knew it through Nehushta.

A week went by, during which time Miriam and Marcus did not meet, as no
further sittings were arranged for the completion of the bust. In fact,
they were not needful, since she could work from the clay model, which
she did, till, labouring at it continually, the marble was done and even
polished. One morning as the artist was putting the last touches to her
labours, the door of the workshop was darkened and she looked up to
see Marcus, who, except for his helmet, was clad in full mail as though
about to start upon a journey. As it chanced, Miriam was alone in the
place, Nehushta having gone to attend to household affairs. Thus for the
first time they met with no other eyes to watch them.

At the sight of him she coloured, letting the cloth fall from her hand
which remained about the neck of the marble.

"I ask your pardon, Lady Miriam," said Marcus, bowing gravely, "for
breaking in thus upon your privacy; but time presses with me so that I
lacked any to give notice to your guardians of my visit."

"Are you leaving us?" she faltered.

"Yes, I am leaving you."

Miriam turned aside and picked up the cloth, then answered, "Well, the
work is done, or will be in a few minutes; so if you think it worth the
trouble, take it."

"That is my intention. The price I will settle with your uncles."

She nodded. "Yes, yes, but if you will permit me, I should like to pack
it myself, so that it comes to no harm upon the journey. Also with your
leave I will retain the model, which by right belongs to you. I am not
pleased with this marble; I wish to make another."

"The marble is perfect; but keep the model if you will. I am very glad
that you should keep it."

She glanced at him, a question in her eyes, then looked away.

"When do you go?" she asked.

"Three hours after noon. My task is finished, my report--which is to
the effect that the Essenes are a most worthy and harmless people who
deserve to be encouraged, not molested--is written. Also I am called
hence in haste by a messenger who reached me from Jerusalem an hour ago.
Would you like to know why?"

"If it pleases you to tell me, yes."

"I think that I told you of my uncle C