itian interrupted,
but Vespasian answered, 'The Jewish maid is not your slave, Domitian,
or my slave. She is the slave of your brother, Titus. Let her bide with
this worthy officer until Titus comes, he being answerable in his person
and his goods that she shall then be produced before him, she or proof
of her death.' Then, waving his hand to show that the matter was done
with, he went on to speak of other things, demanding details of the
capture of the Temple and comparing my list of the vessels and other
gear with that which was furnished by the treasurer, into whose charge
I handed them yesternight. So, Maid Miriam, till Titus comes you are
safe."

"Yes," answered Miriam with a sigh, "till Titus comes. But after
that--what?"

"The gods alone know," he said impatiently. "Meanwhile, since my head is
on it, I must ask your word of you that you will attempt no flight."

"I give it, Gallus," she answered smiling, "who would die rather than
bring evil on you or yours. Also, whither should I fly?"

"I know not. But you Christians find many friends: the rats themselves
have fewer hiding-places. Still, I trust you, and henceforth you are
free, till Titus comes."

"Aye," repeated Miriam, "--till Titus comes."

So for hard upon six months, till midsummer, indeed, Miriam dwelt in the
house of Gallus and his wife, Julia. She was not happy, although to them
she became as a daughter. Who could be happy even in the sunshine of
a peaceful present, that walked her world between two such banks of
shadow? Behind was the shadow of the terrible past; in front, black
and forbidding, rose the shadow of the future, which might be yet more
terrible, the future when she would be the slave of some man unknown.
Sometimes walking with Julia, humbly dressed and mingling with the
crowd, her head-dress arranged to hide her face as much as might be, she
saw the rich lords of Rome go by in chariots, on horseback, in litters,
all sorts and conditions of them, fat, proud men with bold eyes;
hard-faced statesmen or lawyers; war-worn, cruel-looking captains;
dissolute youths with foppish dress and perfumed hair, and shuddering,
wondered whether she was appointed to any one of these. Or was it,
perhaps, to that rich and greasy tradesman, or to yon low-born freedman
with a cunning leer? She knew not, God alone knew, and in Him must be
her trust.

Once as Miriam was walking thus, gorgeously clad slaves armed with rods
of office appeared, burstin