"At least it is done.

For my part I hesitated long, but your grandfather won me over, so now I must follow my fate." Then he began to tell her of the taking of Masada and of the bloody struggles of the factions in Jerusalem.
After this he spoke of the Essenes, who still occupied their village, though in fear, for all about them was much fighting; and of their childish days together--talk which pleased her greatly.

Whilst they spoke thus, a messenger entered the room and whispered something into the ear of Benoni, who raised his hands to Heaven as though in gratitude.
"What tidings ?" asked one.
"This, my friends.

Cestius Gallus the Roman has been hunted from the walls of Jerusalem and his army is destroyed in the pass of Beth-horon." "God be praised!" said the company as though with one voice.
"God be praised," repeated Caleb, "for so great and glorious a victory! The accursed Romans are fallen indeed." Only Miriam said nothing.
"What is in your mind ?" he asked looking at her.
"That they will spring up again stronger than before," she replied, then at a signal from Benoni, rose and left the feast.
From the supper chamber Miriam passed down a passage to the portico and there seated herself, resting her arms upon the marble balustrade and listening to the waves as they lapped against the walls below.
That day had been disturbed, different, indeed, from all the peaceful days which she was wont to spend.

First had come the messenger bearing her lover's gifts and letter which already she longed to read again; then hard upon his heels, like storm upon the sunshine, he who, unless she was mistaken, still wished to be her lover--Caleb.