“Tell me that story,” said Julia, “for I do not understand.  The thing sounds incredible.”

So Miriam told her tale.  When it was done, Julia said: 

“Heathen though he is, this Marcus must be a noble-hearted man, whom may Heaven reward.”

“Yes,” answered Miriam with a sigh, “may Heaven reward him, as I wish I might.”

“As you would have done had I not stayed you,” put in Nehushta.  Her voice was severe, but as she spoke something that Julia took to be a smile was seen for an instant on her grim features.

“Well, friend, well,” said Julia, “we have all of us fallen into temptation from time to time.”

“Pardon me, lady,” answered Nehushta, “but speak for yourself.  I never fell into any temptation—­from a man.  I know too much of men.”

“Then, friend,” replied Julia, “return thanks for the good armour of your wisdom.  For my part, I say that, like the lord Marcus, this maid has acted well, and my prayer is that she also may not lose her reward.”

“Mine is,” commented Nehushta, “that Marcus may escape the payment which he will doubtless receive from the hand of Domitian if he can hunt him out,” a remark at which the face of Miriam grew very troubled.

Just then Gallus returned, and to him the whole history had to be told anew.

“It is wonderful,” he said, “wonderful!  I never heard the like of it.  Two people who love each other and who, when their hour comes, separate over some question of faith, or rather in obedience to a command laid upon one of them by a lady who died years and years ago.  Wonderful—­and I hope wise, though had I been the man concerned I should have taken another counsel.”

“What counsel, husband?” asked Julia.

“Well—­to get away from Rome with the lady as far as possible, and without more delay than was necessary.  It seems to me that under the circumstances it would have been best for her to consider her scruples in another land.  You see Domitian is not a Christian any more than Marcus is, and our maid here does not like Domitian and does like Marcus.  No, it is no good arguing the thing is done, but I think that you Christians might very well add two new saints to your calendar.  And now to breakfast, which we all need after so much night duty.”

So they went and ate, but during that meal Gallus was very silent, as was his custom when he set his brain to work.  Presently he asked: 

“Tell me, Miriam, did any see you or your companion enter here?”

“No, I think not,” she answered, “for as it chanced the door of the courtyard was ajar and the servant has not yet returned.”

“Good,” he said.  “When she does return I will meet her and send her out on a long errand.”

“Why?” asked his wife.

“Because it is as well that none should know what guests we have till they are gone again.”

“Until they are gone again!” repeated Julia, astonished.  “Surely you would not drive this maid, who has become to us as our daughter, from your door?”