Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/201

Rh found my Rachel dead of fear and grief for me. The Lord our God reigned, and I lived. From the emperor himself I bought immunity and license to trade through out the world. To-day—praised be He who maketh the clouds his chariot and walketh upon the winds!—to-day, Esther, that which was in my hands for stewardship is multiplied into talents sufficient to enrich a Cæsar.&quot;

He lifted his head proudly; their eyes met; each read the other’s thought. &quot;What shall I with the treasure, Esther?&quot; he asked, without lowering his gaze.

&quot;My father,&quot; she answered, in a low voice, &quot;did not the rightful owner call for it but now?&quot;

Still his look did not fail.

&quot;And thou, my child; shall I leave thee a beggar?&quot;

&quot;Nay, father, am not I, because I am thy child, his bond-servant? And of whom was it written, ’Strength and honor are her clothing, and she shall rejoice in time to come'?&quot;

A gleam of ineffable love lighted his face as he said, &quot;The Lord hath been good to me in many ways; but thou, Esther, art the sovereign excellence of his favor.&quot;

He drew her to his breast and kissed her many times.

&quot;Hear now,&quot; he said, with clearer voice—&quot;hear now why I laughed this morning. The young man faced me the apparition of his father in comely youth. My spirit arose to salute him. I felt my trial-days were over and my labors ended. Hardly could I keep from crying out. I longed to take him by the hand and show the balance I had earned, and say, Lo, tis all thine! and I am thy servant, ready now to be called away. And so I would have done, Esther, so I would have done, but that moment three thoughts rushed to restrain me. I will be sure he is my master’s son—such was the first thought; if he is my master’s son, I will learn somewhat of his nature. Of those born to riches, bethink you, Esther, how many there are in whose hands riches are but breeding curses&quot;—he paused, while his hands clutched, and his voice shrilled with passion—&quot;Esther, consider the pains I endured at the Roman’s hand’s; nay, not Gratus’s alone: the merciless wretches who did his bidding the first time and the last