And Mary added:
“And Lazarus, where is he?”
Ulema and Lazarus were the last persons in the world whom the host would have invited to his banquet. He paid no attention to Martha’s question. To Mary’s he replied by drawing a parchment from his bosom.
“Listen!” said he; “a letter from Lazarus!”
The faces of the young girls grew anxious.
“Dear Uncle:
“Excuse me for spending the night with my father. He is better, happy and well provided. But I have many things to say to him, and my visit has given him so much pleasure. I know I must submit on my return to the law of purification, which will separate me many days from my sweet sisters. Take them to your own house and make them happy. I will return to-morrow.
“Your loving nephew,
“Lazarus.”
Magistus looked up: the sisters were weeping.