"He did act," promptly answered Mary, "because a large coward did pluck the hair of a small child which could do naught but weep. Unafraid souls my heart loves."
"Ever hath womankind loved bravery," Joseph remarked. "Well, the
Galilean Rabbi is brave, Mary."
"How brave?"
"Brave sufficient to dare the wrath of the High Priest. Is this not bravery?"
"Rather the act of a fool," Joel answered.
When they had tarried about the table until a late hour, the guests went to their couches.
"To-morrow is the birthday of Israel," Lazarus said after the door had closed behind Joel and Joseph. "Now must the house be searched for leaven that not a speck remain."
Taking up the lamps which were burning low on the table, he fastened them to long handles. Martha, taking one of them, went to the kitchen, while Mary and Lazarus made search in the larger room.
"My brother," Mary said when the last cushion had been shaken and the last corner searched, "on this eve of Israel's birthday I have a request of thee. Wilt thou be Ahasuerus and hold to me thy golden scepter?"
"What is the request of thy heart, my sister?"