"'Tis not so much the woman's heart as the mother's that doth plead with thee, Ezra," replied Sarah, the tears filling her eyes.
"Go back to thy children and thy work, woman," commanded Ezra. "And when the day's toil be ended we will speak of this again."
Sarah turned obediently away, but her heart was light, for her husband had not said her nay.
"Come hither, maiden," said Ezra.
The evening meal was over and the night shadows were falling. Leah arose from beside her father's couch and approached Ezra.
"Little maid," said Ezra, "maketh thyself ready, for to-morrow, at the dawning of the day, our neighbor will bring his ass and thou shalt set forth for Samaria."
The maiden's lips parted eagerly with surprise and joy. The lad, lifted himself upon his elbow, and gazed upon his father with radiant eyes.
"But, father, the fruits are not yet ripe," faltered Leah.