The sick and the maimed and the blind and many who were in tribulation came and stood by her for a moment to be touched by the rabbi and to make room for others to be healed in like manner. These fell away full of joy over that which had come to them, but the veiled one moved not, nor did several of the other women who were near. Once only did she lift her head, drawing aside her veil, and her voice was low and sweet.
"O Master, what shall I ask of thee concerning Ulric? Canst thou do aught for him?"
"Be thou contented," he said. "He followeth me." He stooped and put his hand upon her head and turned away, for he was departing from that place to the court of the heathen. So she covered her face with her veil and left the temple.
In the court of the heathen was a gathering that was dense for multitude, and here, also, were many who asked for healing. Near to a pillar by the outer portico stood twain who had just arrived.
"O Caius," said one, "hast thou strength to stand upon thy feet for a little?"
"Hardly, O jarl," said the centurion. "But I am a Roman. What part have I in this Jew rabbi and his god?"
"Nay, but stand thou here," said Ulric, "while I go and ask him."
On pressed he through the crowd until he stood before the prophet of Galilee.
"O thou of the sons of the gods," he said, "wilt thou heal a Roman, standing yonder, as thou hast healed me, who am a Saxon? I pray thee have mercy upon him, for he is my friend."