As they passed through the last portal into the triclinium, Marcius was strangely silent and abstracted. The world had been made over, and all things were new since leaving the atrium a few minutes before.
The repast, though perfect in quality, was simple rather than ostentatious. Marcius, with a fine instinct, had already learned, and even felt, that the exponents of the New Faith, while thoroughly appreciative of beauty, were quiet in their tastes, and carried their moderation into all things.
There was a profusion of flowers, and an abundance of handsome appointments, but no lares or penates upon the table, neither were any libations poured to the gods. But when all had reclined in their places, there was a brief interval of silent thanks and aspiration with bowed heads, which was spontaneous rather than formal. The supper was not a feast so much as an occasion of friendly and joyful converse, serving as a pleasant recognition of Rebecca’s escape and recovery.
Marcius, whose enthusiasm for the new light which so signally had come to him was unwearied, soon desired to resume the discussion which they had begun in the atrium.
“While I joy in the power of the truth that thrills me through and through, there are certain things of which I fain would make further inquiry,” said he to Serenus.
“I too would gladly receive further witness of the truth,” said Rebecca.
“Behold one is straitened to set forth the doctrine of the Spirit in the language of men,” said Serenus. “It is a hidden life, and being veiled, only can be made [pg 390]known through parables and symbols. It dwelleth in the heart too deep for the persuasiveness of speech.”
“How unlike the learning of the schools!” said Marcius.
“Yea; words and writings which concern the bodily sensations of men, and the things that are without and seen, are multiplied, while the things of the spirit are silently digged out of the depths of the soul.”
“After what manner was the teaching of the great prophet of Nazareth?”