to cast him down. In the end, however,
he shrugged his shoulders and said that she was certainly of an age to
judge for herself and that he trusted no harm might come of it. Indeed,
when the principles of the Christian hope were explained to him, he
listened to them eagerly enough, who had lost his only child, and until
now had never heard this strange story of resurrection and eternal life.
Still, although he listened, and even from time to time was present when
the brethren prayed, he would not be baptised, who said that he was too
sunk in years to throw incense on a new altar.

At length Titus came, the Senate, which long before his arrival had
decreed him a Triumph, meeting him outside the walls, and there, after
some ancient formalities communicating to him their decision. Moreover,
it was arranged that Vespasian, his father, should share in this
Triumph, because of the great deeds which he had done in Egypt, so that
it was said everywhere that this would be the most splendid ceremony
which Rome had ever seen. After this Titus passed to his palace and
there lived privately for several weeks, resting while the preparations
for the great event went forward.

One morning early Gallus was summoned to the palace, whence he returned
rubbing his hands and trying to look pleased, with him, as Julia had
said, a sure sign of evil tidings.

"What is it, husband?" she asked.

"Oh! nothing, nothing," he answered, "except that our Pearl-Maiden here
must accompany me after the mid-day meal into the august presences of
Vespasian and Titus. The Caesars wish to see her, that they may decide
where she is to walk in the procession. If she is held to be beautiful
enough, they will grant to her a place of honour, by herself. Do you
hear that, wife--by herself, not far in front of the very chariot of
Titus? As for the dress that she will wear," he went on nervously, since
neither of his auditors seemed delighted with this news, "it is to be
splendid, quite splendid, all of the purest white silk with little discs
of silver sewn about it, and a representation of the Gate Nicanor worked
in gold thread upon the breast of the robe."

At this tidings Miriam broke down and began to weep.

"Dry your tears, girl," he said roughly, although the thickness of his
voice suggested that water and his own eyes were not far apart. "What
must be, must be, and now is the time for that God you worship to show
you some mark of favour. Surely, He shoul