Rebecca said no more, but held her own thoughts firmly. Since the stampede from the Temple, when her life was saved by the young stranger, she had made many apologies for, if not an actual defence of, the disciples of the New Faith. Her unknown rescuer had not told her that he was one of them, but she had an indefinable feeling that he might be of their number. His words and spirit were unlike those of any one she knew who was subject to the ceremonial system. How opposite in temper from her own brother, whom she began to fear was possessed by an evil spirit! It was not so much what Serenus had said, when he conveyed her to her home in her faint and exhausted condition, for their conversation had been brief and general; but his dignified mien, lofty spirit, and utter unselfishness greatly impressed her. His very presence had seemed an inspiration. How strange, that in answer to her question he should have announced himself merely as the “friend of Saulus”! Knowing nothing of his name or dwelling-place, she often wondered whether she might ever see him again. While naturally retiring, and rarely looking into the faces of strangers, it must be confessed that, as opportunity offered, she had some dim expectation that she would again behold the face of her kind benefactor.
Who is able to unravel the mysteries of a maiden’s heart? Who can untwist the delicate strands which, when combined, are able to guide and draw a gentle soul, and give it the force and direction of a new orbit?
In the case of Rebecca, the vital service rendered would, of itself, make gratitude strong and lasting. The [pg 230]lofty principles expressed, though in a brief and unstudied way, would also strike a unison in such a pure and intuitional nature as that of Rebecca. For a long time she had been quietly growing away from the heartless formalism of her people. She was ready for something better. Without knowing anything of the letter of the New Faith, peradventure its invisible vibrations were beating gently upon the strings of her higher nature, even though unrecognized.
Was there a mingled element of unconscious love subtly growing out of so brief an episode? What more natural? and yet what prophet can say either yea or nay?
As Saulus and his concourse moved away toward the Upper Chamber, an intense interest and curiosity possessed those who were left behind as to the outcome of the day’s proceedings. All felt that an important crisis had arrived. Cassia was exultant, while Rebecca was cast down. But despite their unlikeness, they preserved friendly relations for the sake of Saulus. Prospective sisterhood rendered each forbearing. Rebecca was sorely tried, but must needs not rebel against her surroundings.
Almon, the keeper of the hostelry, who had followed the concourse in the distance, soon returned, and announced to the family that the blasphemers were securely under arrest.
“I bear you good tidings,” said he, as with manifest glee he entered the court of the inn. “Saulus and his friends have the whole band under arrest, and they are soon to be taken in a procession to prison.”
Cassia clapped her little white hands with delight. [pg 231]Rabbi Abdiel and Benoni were exultant in their approval, while Rebecca was silent.
“Behold,” continued Almon, “the direct way from the Upper Chamber to the prison leads by the inn, so that captors and captives will soon move past our very doors.”
“To the house-top!” exclaimed Cassia excitedly. “Let us all go up and see the procession when it passes.”