But harken! what saith the voice?
“Saulus, behold thou art my beloved brother!”
Saulus drew nearer, and warmly grasped the open hand which was extended towards him. While filled with wonder, there was nothing to disquiet him. He saw at a glance that some other soul possessed the body of his companion.
“The words of thy greeting are warm, and touch my heart, but I would know thy name, and why thou hast come to me?”
“I am Stephanos! aforetime of the Holy City. I come to manifest my love, and give thee words of encouragement!”
There flashed before the mind of Saulus the Holy City! the mob in the synagogue! the throng, which with jeers and curses, surged up the hill to the Sanhedrin! the mockery of the trial in the Hall of the Squares! the heroic young victim! the boiling passion! the tragedy without the walls! the angelic face! and—his own leadership!
“O my God! I cannot bear it!”
He bowed his face to the ground.
“Be of good cheer, O Saulus! I greet thee only with love!”
“O Stephanos! thou here! and thou lovest me! Am I not dreaming? Canst thou forgive?”