"Why dost thou tremble and grow pale, dear mistress," she asked. "I did come to thee at once with the tidings of my lord's return, thinking that thou wouldst rejoice and be happy."
"If I knew that he were healed then indeed would I rejoice," said Claudia. "But if he be not healed my heart will be filled with sadness and sad indeed our meeting."
"Be at peace, my lady," said the little maid, earnestly. "My lord has returned healed of his leprosy."
"Thou hast indeed great faith, child," said Claudia, with a faint smile. "But only when I hear from the lips of my husband that he is healed will I believe. But, come and array me, for whether Naaman return in sorrow or gladness I will do him honor."
The little maid hastened to put a rich silken robe upon her mistress, binding back her golden hair with a circlet of glittering gems.
"Come," then said Claudia, "thou shalt await with me the coming of Naaman."
Upon entering Damascus, Naaman had at once sought the palace of the king.
The latter received him most graciously, saying:
"What fortune did attend thy journey into the land of Israel, my good Naaman?"