Leander, while outwardly gracious to the new-found [pg 329]friends of Marcius, could hardly conceal his jealousy towards them; for their converse had disquieted him, and his own society and games had been superseded.
The state carriage, or chariot, of Marcius, with three gayly caparisoned horses of choice breed, harnessed abreast, was awaiting him when the Nereid landed; and soon the Vice Legate, with his friends, including Leander, were rolling rapidly over the well-worn flags towards the palace. The luxurious equipage, with the richly adorned charioteer and footmen, the clatter of the hoofs of the noble steeds, and the musical jingle of silver chain traces, drew the attention of every one in the streets while they passed by. As they dashed rapidly through the business quarter, a young woman, seemingly a Jewess, no longer in the early flush of youth, but of remarkable beauty, was just emerging from one of the bazaars, where she had been to make some trifling purchases.
It was Rebecca!
Casting an involuntary glance upwards, the face of Marcius—that face forever carved upon the tablet of memory—was directly before her. A quick shiver shot through her frame, but in the twinkling of an eye her glance took in another face just behind. Barely suppressing the impulse to speak aloud, she exclaimed to herself,—
“My friend of the Holy City! and with that Roman!”
CHAPTER XXVII
A MESSAGE FROM STEPHANOS
Every incident of the journey to the Holy City was fresh and vivid to Saulus, and he felt persuaded that it was no dream. Amoz observed his quick uprising, which astonished him, because but a short time had passed since he had been soothed and quieted after his wonted evening plaint.
The next day Saulus wrote the following letter:—