There was an interval of silence. When the inquirer spoke again, it was in less aggressive tones.
'Sir, there is a music in your voice which seems to go to my heart.'
'Friend!' The Stranger stretched out His hand towards the speaker. 'Friend! Would that it would go to all your hearts, the music that is in Mine--that the sound of it would go forth to all the world! It was for that I came.'
This time there was none that answered. It was as though there was that in the Stranger's words which troubled His listeners-- which made them uneasy. Here and there one began to steal away. Presently, as the silence continued, the number of these increased. Among them was the inquirer; the Stranger spoke to him as he turned to go.
'It was but seeming--the music which seemed to speak to your heart?'
Although the words were quietly uttered, they conveyed a sting; the man to whom they were addressed was plainly disconcerted.
'Sir, I cannot stay here all night. I am a married man; I must go home.'
'Go home.'
'Besides, the gates will soon be shut, and late hours don't agree with me; I have to go early to business.'
'Go home.'