for. She must have a permanent home in
the vicinity of her brothers. An officer of the king, in the city, with
whom I am well acquainted, having learned something of the history and
deportment of this your sister, would desire her, if not contrary to her
wishes, to be an inmate of his house, and a companion for his only
child--a maiden of sixteen summers. Would this be acceptable to the young
damsel?"

"Abundantly acceptable, most kind Barzello!" said Perreeza. "Thy young
handmaid is ready at any time to do the pleasure of her protector."

"Then I will accompany thee thither without any delay."

Perreeza withdrew to another apartment, and in a short time, returned,
attired in her rich native costume, and giving Barzello a sign that she
was ready, they both left the apartment. Soon Perreeza found herself by
the side of her kind friend, in a richly-ornamented chariot, that hurried
them through the wide and busy thoroughfares. Perreeza was somewhat
astonished at the greatness and grandeur of this Gentile metropolis.

"Your Babylon is truly a great city," said she.

"The greatest on record. How in thine eye compares its beauty with the
capital of Judah?"

"In the ornamental--in splendid gardens and bubbling fountains--Babylon
surely stands far superior."

The chariot halted, and Perreeza found herself in front of one of the
most beautiful mansions she had ever beheld.

"And is this the officer's mansion?" asked Perreeza, gazing with a degree
of astonishment at the great structure.

"Yea, this is it, fair damsel. But thou appearest somewhat embarrassed.
Let the maid of Judah have no fears, for I have every confidence that she
will do well."

"Is the noble officer at home?" asked the maid, endeavoring to appear
composed.

"He is about the premises, and will soon be in," replied Barzello, with a
smile.

"What delicious flowers!" cried Perreeza, breathing a little easier.

"Babylon abounds with the like, fair damsel. But come, let us enter, for
the officer's daughter is in haste to behold the youthful maid from the
land of Judah."

Barzello ascended those steps of spotless marble, and, with a degree of
freedom that seemed to surprise his young companion, he entered a
spacious apartment, richly furnished and beautifully ornamented, where
Jupheena was ready to receive them, with loving smiles of welcome.

"Jupheena, this is the young maid from the land of Judah, of whom thy
father spoke," and, directing his lan