He took her hand for a moment, and then dropped it; but his eyes flashed suddenly and his arm trembled at her touch.
"Thou hadst almost lost thy way," he said.

"The palace is large and the passages are many and devious.

Come now, I will lead thee to the gardens.

There thou canst find friends among the queen's noble women, and amusements of many kinds.

Let thy heart delight in the beauty of Shushan, and if there is anything that thou desirest, ask and I will give it thee." Nehushta bent her head in thanks.