"I know dear mistress, that Elisha will refuse to accept the treasure which my lord carryeth with him to Samaria," replied the little maid, firmly. "Elisha careth not for riches nor the praise of men. He seeketh only to please and serve the Lord who hath given to him his great power."
"What manner of man is this Elisha who can inspire such great and unswerving faith?" mused Claudia. "Is the God of Israel more powerful than the god of Syria, for Rimmon hath given to no man in Syria power like unto that possessed by Elisha?" she said aloud.
The little maid looked up earnestly into her mistress' beautiful face.
"There is no God save the God of Israel," she said.
Claudia smiled indulgently.
"Thou art of the land of Israel, little one," she said, "and, therefore, thou dost believe that the God Israel worships be the only true God. Perhaps, if thou dwelleth long in Syria, thou will learn to worship Syria's god."
"No, dear lady, that could never be," replied Leah, earnestly. "I may see no more my people and my country, but I shall ever remain faithful to my God. He dwelleth not alone in the land of Israel, but he ruleth over all the earth. 'Tis He, Who through his prophet, will heal thy husband of his leprosy."
"Thou speaketh idle words child," said Claudia, a little impatiently. "The God of Israel would not bestow His favors upon a Syrian who does worship Syria's god. But, there, enough of this; let us speak of other things. Tell me of thy people. Hast thou brothers and sisters in the land of Israel?"
"I have but one brother, dear mistress," replied Leah.
"And this brother has been a cripple from birth?" gently asked Claudia.