“My lover,” said she, a note of trouble in her voice, “and I do fear his life is in peril.”

Vergilius was at her side.  Now the light of the great star shone full upon them.

“Blood of my heart!” he whispered, lifting the maiden from her horse.

“Oh, you that have made me love you with the great love!” she cried, pressing her cheek upon his.  “I have been as one lost in the desert, and I thank the one God he has led me to you.”

A moment they stood together and all were silent.

“God has answered my prayer,” said he.  “But how came you here?”

Then she whispered:  “I came with Appius, and the emperor has written that we are to bring you home.”

“And we shall live no more apart,” said he. “’Tis a night of ten thousand years, dear love.  The Christ is come.”

“The Christ is come!” she repeated.  “How know you?”

“Have you not seen his light in the heavens nor heard the mighty song?”

“Yes, and all the night we have been full of wonder.  Listen!”

Again the air trembled with that peal of song: 

“Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good-will towards men.”

Slowly it sank into silence.  Vergilius drew the maiden close and touched her ear with his lips and whispered:  “Love has opened our hearts to the knowledge of mighty things.  It has led us to the Prince of Peace.”

Then said the maiden:  “Let us build a temple wherein to worship him, and make it a holy place.”

“And call it home,” said the young knight, as he kissed her.

THE END