tely air, fixing upon me her dark gazelle-like eyes.

"`Do you,' said she, in a slow and solemn tone of voice, `do you
remember the conversation which we had upon our respective creeds? Do
you recollect how you pointed out to me your authorities and your
reasons for your faith, and your sincere belief that the Messiah had
already come?'

"`I do, Miriam,' replied I; `but not with any view to interfere with
your non-belief; it was only to uphold by argument my own.'

"`I do not say nay to that; I believe you,' said Miriam, `nevertheless,
I have that in my vest which, if it was known to my father or brother,
would cause them to dash me to the earth, and to curse me in the name of
the great Jehovah;' and she pulled out of her vest a small copy of the
New Testament. `This is the book of your creed; I have searched and
compared it with our own; I have found the authorities; I have read the
words of the Jews who have narrated the history and the deeds of Jesus
of Nazareth, and--I am a _Christian_.'

"It may appear strange, but I assure you, sir, you cannot imagine the
pain I felt when Miriam thus acknowledged herself a convert to our
faith: to say to her that I was sorry for it would have argued little
for my Christian belief; but when I reflected upon the pain and disgrace
it would bring upon her family, and that I should be the cause, I was
dreadfully shocked. I could only reply, `Miriam, I wish that we had
never met!'

"`I know what your feelings are but too well,' replied she; `but we have
met, and what is done cannot be undone. I, too, when I think of my
relations, am torn with anxiety and distress; but what is now my duty?
If I am, and I declare, not only by the great Jehovah, but by the
crucified Messiah, that I am a sincere believer in your creed, must I
shrink--must I conceal it on account of my father and my brother? Does
not He say, "Leave all and follow me!" Must I not add my feeble voice
in acknowledgement of the truth, if I am to consider myself a Christian?
Must not my avowal be public? Yes, it must be, and it shall be! Can
you blame me?'

"`Oh, no! I dare not blame you,' replied I; `I only regret that
religious differences should so mar the little happiness permitted to us
in this world, and that neither Jew nor Christian will admit what our
Saviour has distinctly declared--that there is no difference between the
Jew and the Greek, or Gentile. I see much misery in this, and I cannot
help regret