Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/103

Rh effect; insomuch that a visitor, breathing the sweet air, knew, in advance of introduction, the refinement of the family he was about calling upon.

A few steps within the second court, the lad turned to the right, and, choosing a walk through the shrubbery, part of which was in flower, passed to the stairway, and ascended to the terrace—a broad pavement of white and brown flags closely laid, and much worn. Making way under the awning to a doorway on the north side, he entered an apartment which the dropping of the screen behind him returned to darkness. Nevertheless, he proceeded, moving over a tiled floor to a divan, upon which he flung himself, face downwards, and lay at rest, his forehead upon his crossed arms.

About nightfall a woman came to the door and called; he answered, and she went in.

&quot;Supper is over, and it is night. Is not my son hungry?&quot; she asked.

&quot;No,&quot; he replied.

&quot;Are you sick?&quot;

&quot;I am sleepy.&quot;

&quot;Your mother has asked for you.&quot;

&quot;Where is she?&quot;

&quot;In the summer-house on the roof.&quot;

He stirred himself, and sat up.

&quot;Very well. Bring me something to eat.&quot;

&quot;What do you want?&quot;

&quot;What you please, Amrah. I am not sick, but indifferent. Life does not seem as pleasant as it did this morning. A new ailment, O my Amrah; and you who know me so well, who never failed me, may think of the things now that answer for food and medicine. Bring me what you choose.&quot;

Amrah's questions, and the voice in which she put them—low, sympathetic, and solicitous—were significant of an endeared relation between the two. She laid her hand upon his forehead; then, as satisfied, went out, saying, &quot;I will see.&quot;

After a while she returned, bearing on a wooden platter a bowl of milk, some thin cakes of white bread broken, a delicate paste of brayed wheat, a bird broiled, and honey and