Before they all disperse let the reader have the pleasure of a glimpse at a group of countenances that give unmistakable signs of genuine delight.

“Charming!” cried Joram, in ecstasies.  “The reward of fidelity and perseverance, Barzello!”

CHAPTER XV.

The stately mansion of Barzello was brilliantly illuminated.  Streams of light poured forth from every window.  Sweet melody floated on the wings of the gentle zephyrs.  Chariot after chariot arrived, and halted before the massive portals.  It was evident to the passer-by that it was not an event of common occurrence that called forth such unusual movements and peculiar displays.

From the first moment of Mathias and Perreeza’s introduction to each other, there was a warm attachment formed, and from the subsequent revelations, this sentiment greatly increased.

On this night the maid of Judah was to become the happy bride of Mathias; and from the smiles that greet smiles on the happy countenances of those who hurry to and fro through the richly furnished apartments, it is evident that their union is hailed as a joyous event.

The marriage was not, in all its parts, so strictly after the customs of the Hebrews as if it had been solemnized in the land of Judah.  The long residence of Joram in Babylon, together with the very high regard he cherished for his friend Barzello and his family, gave the features of the occasion an admixture of Hebrew and Chaldean customs.

Never did the “Rose of Sharon” bloom fairer.  Three years have added ripeness to her beauty, and dignity to her charms.  She is no longer the timid maid of seventeen, but a blooming damsel, having reached her twentieth year, with a finish stamped on all her words and actions; and no one who has had the pleasure of her acquaintance can envy such a choice spirit the heart and hand of one of the most brilliant young men in the great metropolis.

The “Lily of the Valley” has but one thing to diminish her full share of enjoyment—­and that is by no means a trifling one.  Her sweet Perreeza, her constant companion for the last three years, whom she loves as her own sister, is about to leave her father’s house and take her abode with another.  This, at times, makes her sad.  The same cause produces the same effect on Perreeza.  She, also, is about to impress the parting kiss on the fair cheek of one who has proved herself worthy of her ardent love—­one who gave her such a warm welcome to her large heart, when a stranger in a foreign land—­one who has continued to love her with a pure affection.  But these gloomy feelings are not to predominate at this time; so the “Lily” ceased to droop, and the “Rose” bloomed fresh and gay.

The announcement that Mathias, with his attendants, had arrived at the entrance, caused an exclamation of joy.  Jupheena and a merry group of her maiden acquaintances formed themselves in procession, to meet them, and to escort the company, with warm congratulations, to the parlors, where they were received by Barzello with enthusiastic welcome, and conducted with appropriate honors to their apartments.