But when the forsaken come to Me, and penitent sinners trustfully seek refuge with Me, then, John, I am not hard." The voices of children playing in the courtyard sounded through the open windows.

Jesus turned to His hostess and said: "Martha! You have excellently entertained Me in your house.

Will you give Me yet another treat ?" "What is it, Master?
I would leave no wish of yours ungratified." "The little ones--let them come in." "Ah! my poor boy will cry his eyes out that he wasn't here to-day.
Dear lad, he's in Jerusalem." "God be his guard! Let those who are playing in the courtyard come up." They came shyly in at the door, two dark little girls, and a fair boy, who carried a carved wood camel in his hand.

When Jesus spread out His arms, they went to Him, and were soon at home, holding up their little red mouths, in which He put fruit from the table.

Peter, who would have liked to sleep a little, was not particularly pleased with the little guests, but was glad that the Master petted them and joked with them.
Then Jesus said to the boy: "Benjamin, mount your camel, ride to that man over there, and ask him why he is so silent." Peter accepted the invitation to join in the conversation, but he was not very happy in what he said.