“But she must be further provided for. She must have a permanent home in the vicinity of her brothers. An officer of the king, in the city, with whom I am well acquainted, having learned something of the history and deportment of this your sister, would desire her, if not contrary to her wishes, to be an inmate of his house, and a companion for his only child—a maiden of sixteen summers. Would this be acceptable to the young damsel?”
“Abundantly acceptable, most kind Barzello!” said Perreeza. “Thy young handmaid is ready at any time to do the pleasure of her protector.”
“Then I will accompany thee thither without any delay.”
Perreeza withdrew to another apartment, and in a short time, returned, attired in her rich native costume, and giving Barzello a sign that she was ready, they both left the apartment. Soon Perreeza found herself by the side of her kind friend, in a richly-ornamented chariot, that hurried them through the wide and busy thoroughfares. Perreeza was somewhat astonished at the greatness and grandeur of this Gentile metropolis.
“Your Babylon is truly a great city,” said she.
“The greatest on record. How in thine eye compares its beauty with the capital of Judah?”
“In the ornamental—in splendid gardens and bubbling fountains—Babylon surely stands far superior.”
The chariot halted, and Perreeza found herself in front of one of the most beautiful mansions she had ever beheld.
“And is this the officer’s mansion?” asked Perreeza, gazing with a degree of astonishment at the great structure.
“Yea, this is it, fair damsel. But thou appearest somewhat embarrassed. Let the maid of Judah have no fears, for I have every confidence that she will do well.”