and on her hand a single
ring--that with his likeness and her own. As she entered the great
chamber, looking most lovely, notwithstanding her lack of height, her
grandfather came forward to meet her and present her to the guests,
who rose in greeting. One by one they bowed to her and one by one she
searched their faces with her eyes--faces for the most part stern and
fierce. Now all had passed and she sighed with relief, for among them
there was no Caleb. Even as she did so a curtain swung aside and Caleb
entered.

It was he, of that there could be no doubt; but oh! how changed since
last she had seen him two years before. Then he had been but a raw,
passionate youth; now he was a tall and splendid young man, very
handsome in his dark fashion, very powerful of frame also and quick of
limb. His person was matched by his attire, which was that of an Eastern
warrior noble, and his mien was proud and conquering. As he advanced
the guests bowed to him in respect, as to a man of great and assured
position who may become greater still. Yes, even Benoni showed him
this respect, stepping forward to greet him. All these greetings Caleb
acknowledged lightly, even haughtily, till of a sudden he saw Miriam
standing somewhat in the shadow, and heedless of the other guests pushed
his way towards her.

"Thus we meet again, Miriam," he said, his proud face softening as
he spoke and his eyes gazing on her with a sort of rapture. "Are you
pleased to see me?"

"Surely, Caleb," she answered. "Who would not be well pleased to meet
the playfellow of her childhood?"

He frowned, for childhood and its play were not in his thoughts. Before
he could speak again Benoni commanded the company to be seated, whereon
Miriam took her accustomed place as mistress of the house.

To her surprise Caleb seated himself beside her on the couch that should
have been reserved for the oldest guest, who for some moments was left
a wanderer and wrathful, till Benoni, seeing what had passed, called him
to his side. Then, golden vessels of scented water having been handed
by slaves to each guest in turn, the feast began. As Miriam was about to
dip her fingers in the water she remembered the ring upon her left hand
and turned the bezel inwards. Caleb noted the action, but said nothing.

"Whence come you, Caleb?" she asked.

"From the wars, Miriam. We have thrown down the gate to Rome, and she
has picked it up."

She looked at him inquiringly and asked, "Was