Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/124

Rh &quot;We will have nothing to do with any of them. I have here what is much surer and better—the amulet which was given to some of our people—I cannot tell when, it was so far back—by a Persian magician. See, the inscription is almost worn out.&quot;

She offered him the earring, which he took, looked at, and handed back, laughing.

&quot;If I were dying, Tirzah, I could not use the charm. It is a relic of idolatry, forbidden every believing son and daughter of Abraham. Take it, but do not wear it any more.&quot;

&quot;Forbidden! Not so,&quot; she said. &quot;Our father's mother wore it I do not know how many Sabbaths in her life. It has cured I do not know how many people—more than three anyhow. It is approved—look, here is the mark of the rabbis.&quot;

&quot;I have no faith in amulets.&quot;

She raised her eyes to his in astonishment.

&quot;What would Amrah say?&quot;

&quot;Amrah’s father and mother tended sakiyeh for a garden on the Nile.&quot;

&quot;But Gamaliel!&quot;

&quot;He says they are godless inventions of unbelievers and Shechemites.&quot;

Tirzeh looked at the ring doubtfully.

&quot;What shall I do with it?&quot;

&quot;Wear it, my little sister. It becomes you it helps make you beautiful, though I think you that without help.&quot;

Satisfied, she returned the amulet to her ear just as Amrah entered the summer chamber, bearing a platter, with wash-bowl, water, and napkins.

Not being a Pharisee, the ablution was short and simple with Judah. The servant then went out, leaving. Tirzah to dress his hair. When a lock was disposed to her satisfaction, she would unloose the small metallic mirror which, as was the fashion among her fair countrywomen, she wore at her girdle, and gave it to him, that he might see the triumph, and how handsome it made him. Meanwhile they kept up their conversation.