“Oh, woman, I yearn as only a lonely heart can, to enjoy a little while the fellowship and hospitality of thy people! For years homeless; for months friendless, I’ve come to feel worthless. This is the first bright hour in my life for many a day. Perhaps, maiden of Israel, thou mightst make life worth living to me.”
It was a charge on her sympathy, and he knew it would succeed.
“A Crusader, ‘one of the armies of God,’ boasting a divine call to conquer and convert the world, so talking?”
“Our armed crusades are ended forever; my occupation’s gone.”
She had hesitated, now she pitied the man, and woman-like, again surrendered while she protested.
“I do not think there could come great harm from thy staying until sunrise repast.”
“Bless thee, the nine sun gods bless thee, Esther.”
“Heathen!”
“Well; an Egyptian-Christian-Jew taught me to say this when too cheerful to be solemn, and pious enough not to be frivolous.”
“An Egyptian-Hebrew-Christian! He must have been an Arab. That name means the ‘mixed.’ But go to the men’s tents; to-morrow I’ll have more wisdom. Peace and grace to thee; good night, Christian-Heathen-Hebrew-Arabic-Egyptian!” She laughingly spoke and the unbending made the knight, bold. He addressed her: