“Didst thou finish thy work?” inquired Philyra, abashed yet very eager.
“Yes. It was very hot. Our Master has come to talk with us, Philyra. Thou wilt sit, Master?”
“No,” answered Paul, “I came for but a minute. Jason awaits me. And I would be alone. Farewell!”
“Stay, Master, stay!” cried Philyra. “I have heard thee talk of Christ—many times I have heard thee in the market.”
She shrank a little after she had spoken, afraid that she had said what should have been left to others.
Paul looked at her kindly, but with no trust in his eyes.
“Thy son has been baptized?” he asked.
“Oh, yes. Indeed, yes,” she answered.
“And thou and Aristarchus are already followers of Christ! Why, then, should I linger? So many are unsaved.”
“I think,” said Lycastus, “some men and some women want support in their faith. When the light is withdrawn, there is darkness.”