emed that so calm and lofty a being as Maccabeus could
scarce condescend. But is the forest oak less strong and majestic
because spring drapes its branches with thousands of blossoms, or are
those blossoms less truly flowers because their hue is too like that of
the foliage to strike a careless beholder? Maccabeus, with his
thoughtful reserved disposition, would as little have talked of his
affection for Zarah as he would of the pulsations of his heart; but
both were a part of his nature, a necessity of his existence.

Joab was punctual to his appointment. An hour after dark the clatter
of horses' hoofs was heard on the lonely hill-path which led to the
house of Hadassah. Anna cautiously unclosed the door, peering forth
anxiously to see whether those who came were friends or foes.

"It is my Lord Lycidas!" she joyfully exclaimed, as the horseman who
rode in front drew his rein at the door.

The Athenian found Zarah and her attendant ready to start, and in a few
minutes the two were seated in the horse-litter conducted by Joab, the
crimson curtains were drawn, and the travellers departed from the
lonely habitation upon their perilous journey.

The weather at this advanced season was cold, almost frosty, at night;
but Lycidas was glad of the cessation of the heavy rains which had, as
usual, heralded the approach of winter. The night was cloudless and
clear, the azure vault was spangled with stars.

After some windings amongst the hills, the party entered the long
valley of Rephaim, rich with corn-fields, vineyards, and orchards. The
corn had long since been garnered, the grapes had been gathered, but
the fig-trees were still laden with fruit. Zarah noticed little of the
scenery around her, though brilliant star-light rendered it faintly
visible. The rough motion of the litter over rocky roads precluded
conversation, even had Zarah been disposed to enter into it with her
attendant. The rocking of the litter rather invited sleep, and after
the maiden had been for about an hour and a half slowly pursuing her
journey, drowsiness was stealing over her, when she was startled by a
sudden shock, which, though not violent, was sufficient somewhat to
alarm, and thoroughly to arouse her.

"Has anything happened?" asked the maiden, partly drawing back one of
the crimson curtains of her litter. Lycidas had dismounted, and was at
her side in a moment.

"It is a trifling matter," he said; "be not alarmed, dear lady. On