On the humorous plea that Miriam was indebted to him for her health, and must make payment for the same in valuable information, Aleph proceeded to ask her many questions suggested by her former narrative of what she had heard and seen of Jesus. Rachel joined him in this. As a result they found not a few difficulties removed or diminished by a better knowledge of circumstances.
During this questioning and cross questioning Seti sat a silent but alert listener. Only at the close, when the young people fairly woke up to the fact that for a long time he had said nothing, and turned deprecatingly toward him, did he say, “You two would make very respectable advocates. I hope Marcus Piso will examine witnesses as well in the approaching trials. I am glad to see that your faith in Jesus does not forget the claims of reason.”
Here a parcel was brought in and given to Rachel. “From my mother,” she exclaimed, as she glanced at the superscription. “This doubtless contains further news of the Christ that will interest us all. Let us see.”
She broke the seals. In a moment she became so absorbed in her reading that, evidently, she was quite oblivious of her surroundings. Her face became a mirror behind which appeared the whole changing heaven of her moods and feelings. The first glance at the letter brought a shadow on the beaming countenance. As she went on the shadows deepened apace—as when clouds add themselves to clouds in advance of the storm. At last the storm itself came. Her face became a picture of mingled astonishment, compassion, indignation, and dismay. She dropped the letter on the floor, exclaiming, “Can it be! Where is the Almighty Avenger!” And the tears streamed between her fingers as she buried her face in her hands.
Seti and Aleph had both watched her changing expressions with alarm—had both risen and were now standing by her side.
“What dreadful thing has happened, my child?” asked Seti.
“They have murdered Him—murdered Him—have murdered the Christ!” she exclaimed: then turning to Aleph, “And you were right. You feared the worst, and the worst has come. Can there be a bright side to such a picture?”
She tried to brush away the tears that she might better see the expression of his face.
He said gently, “I think I can conceive of a brighter side even to such a terrible picture. But I see that you have not finished your reading. Perhaps the remainder of the letter will contain the brighter side.” He took it up from the floor and handed it to her.