Chapter IX.
When fourteen days had passed since his departure for Samaria, the caravan of Naaman again entered the gates of Damascus.
The little maid, learning of this, made haste to seek her mistress.
"Dear mistress," she said, "the caravan of my lord has entered the city and proceedeth to the palace of Benhadad, the king."
Claudia turned very white.
"And—and what other tidings dost thou bring?" she faltered. "Speak, child; keep me not in suspense."
"I bring no further tidings, my mistress," answered the little maid.
Claudia sank upon a couch, trembling and faint. Leah knelt beside her and kissed her hands.