Before he could speak again Benoni commanded the company to be seated, whereon Miriam took her accustomed place as mistress of the house.
To her surprise Caleb seated himself beside her on the couch that should have been reserved for the oldest guest, who for some moments was left a wanderer and wrathful, till Benoni, seeing what had passed, called him to his side.

Then, golden vessels of scented water having been handed by slaves to each guest in turn, the feast began.

As Miriam was about to dip her fingers in the water she remembered the ring upon her left hand and turned the bezel inwards.

Caleb noted the action, but said nothing.
"Whence come you, Caleb ?" she asked.
"From the wars, Miriam.

We have thrown down the gate to Rome, and she has picked it up." She looked at him inquiringly and asked, "Was it wise ?" "Who can tell ?" he answered.