“My poor boy!  If I see any guilt in you, it is only that you are one of a race which knows no ruth, no patience.  Our beloved, hapless dead!  They must even lose the lamentations of their kindred; for the house where they rest is plague-stricken and no one is permitted to enter.”

She silently wiped her eyes and went on arranging her garlands, but tear after tear coursed down her cheeks.

Ephraim knew not what to say, and mutely handed her the leaves and blossoms.  Whenever his hand touched hers a thrill ran through his veins.  His head and the wound began to ache, and he sometimes felt a slight chill.  He knew that the fever was increasing, as it had done once before when he nearly lost his life in the red disease; but he was ashamed to own it and battled bravely against his pain.

When the sun was nearing the horizon Hornecht entered the garden.  He had already seen Hosea, and though heartily glad to greet his old friend once more, it had vexed him that the soldier’s first enquiry was for his daughter.  He did not withhold this from the young widow, but his flashing eyes betrayed the displeasure with which he delivered the Hebrew’s message.  Then, turning to Ephraim, he told him that Hosea and his men would encamp outside of the city, pitching their tents, on account of the pestilence, between Tanis and the sea.  They would soon march by.  His uncle sent Ephraim word that he must seek him in his tent.

When he noticed that the youth was aiding his daughter to weave the garlands, he smiled, and said: 

“Only this morning this young fellow declared his intention of remaining free and a ruler all his life.  Now he has taken service with you, Kasana.  You need not blush, young friend.  If either your mistress or your uncle can persuade you to join us and embrace the noblest trade—­ that of the soldier—­so much the better for you.  Look at me!  I’ve wielded the bow more than forty years and still rejoice in my profession.  I must obey, it is true, but it is also my privilege to command, and the thousands who obey me are not sheep and cattle, but brave men.  Consider the matter again.  He would make a splendid leader of the archers.  What say you, Kasana?”

“Certainly,” replied the young widow.  And she was about to say more, but the regular tramp of approaching troops was heard on the other side of the garden-wall.  A slight flush crimsoned Kasana’s cheeks, her eyes sparkled with a light that startled Ephraim and, regardless of her father or her guest, she darted past the pond, across paths and flower-beds, to a grassy bank beside the wall, whence she gazed eagerly toward the road and the armed host which soon marched by.

Hosea, in full armor, headed his men.  As he passed Hornecht’s garden he turned his grave head, and seeing Kasana lowered his battle-axe in friendly salutation.