“I am happy to see my young friend from Judah,” said Jupheena.  “I have been deeply affected by thy history, and that of thy noble brothers.  I trust, that in the absence of thy friends, we shall be able to make thee happy.”

“Since we left our beloved Jerusalem, and even before, we have experienced naught but kindness from the noble officers of the king, especially the most excellent Barzello.  His sympathies have well-nigh overwhelmed us, and we shall love him as long as we live, and implore the blessing of the God of Israel to rest upon his household.  Was it not he that kindly spoke of thy young handmaiden to thy father?”

“I am not aware who it was that first spoke to my father of the maid of Judah,” replied Jupheena, smiling, “but Barzello, surely, is deeply interested in thy welfare.”

Barzello again entered, and Perreeza looked for the other officer, but no other officer was present.  Jupheena arose, and, taking her young companion by the hand, led her to her father.

“Maid of Judah, I have now the pleasure of presenting thee to my own dear father, the king’s officer, under whose roof I trust thou wilt find a welcome home.”

“And this is his only daughter, Jupheena, of whom he spoke,” said Barzello, highly delighted.  “I trust the maid of Judah will find her a pleasant companion.”

Such was the effect of this innocent piece of deception on the mind of young Perreeza, that all the response she could make, was to fall on the neck of her young companion, and weep aloud.  But those tears were tears of joy; and those lofty walls were witnesses to the fast falling of other tears than those shed by the maid of Judah.

“Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!” cried Perreeza, when partially recovered, “who hath given me favor in the eyes of this people!  May Jehovah smile upon his servant Barzello, and upon his lovely daughter, who thus throw open their door to welcome an orphan maid of Israel.”

“Thou shalt find under this roof a welcome home,” said Barzello, affectionately taking Perreeza by the hand; “in Jupheena thou wilt find a worthy companion and an affectionate friend.”

“Thy daughter,” answered Jupheena, “will always esteem it a high pleasure to add to the happiness of her young friend.”

“And Jehovah assisting me,” cried the Hebrew maid, “I will endeavor so to walk before my kind protectors as to be always worthy of their friendly regard.”

“If it be pleasing to thy young friend,” said Barzello, addressing himself to his daughter, “she may be again conducted to inform her brothers of her new home.”

“My brothers will be overjoyed,” answered Perreeza, “to learn of the happiness of their sister; and to me, it will afford the greatest pleasure to convey to them the joyful intelligence.”

“If it will please my daughter,” said Barzello, “she may accompany us.  What sayest thou, Jupheena?”

“Thy daughter most gratefully accepts thy kind offer.”