Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/271

Rh Three rugs were spread on the carpet within the space so nearly enclosed by the divan; a table not more than a foot in height was brought and set within the same place, and covered with a cloth. Off to one side a portable earthenware oven was established under the presidency of a woman whose duty it was to keep the company in bread, or, more precisely, in hot cakes of flour from the handmills grinding with constant sound in a neighboring tent.

Meanwhile Balthasar was conducted to the divan, where Ilderim and Ben-Hur received him standing. A loose black gown covered his person; his step was feeble, and his whole movement slow and cautious, apparently dependent upon a long staff and the arm of a servant.

&quot;Peace to you, my friend,&quot; said Ilderim, respectfully. &quot;Peace and welcome.&quot;

The Egyptian raised his head and replied, &quot;And to thee, good sheik—to thee and thine, peace and the blessing of the One God—God the true and loving.&quot;

The manner was gentle and devout, and impressed Ben-Hur with a feeling of awe; besides which the blessing included in the answering salutation had been partly addressed to him, and while that part was being spoken, the eyes of the aged guest, hollow yet luminous, rested upon his face long enough to stir an emotion new and mysterious, and so strong that he again and again during the repast scanned the much-wrinkled and bloodless face for its meaning; but always there was the expression bland, placid, and trustful as a child’s. A little later he found that expression habitual.

&quot;This is he, Balthasar,&quot; said the sheik, laying his hand on Ben-Hur’s arm, &quot;who will break bread with us this evening.&quot;

The Egyptian glanced at the young man, and looked again surprised and doubting; seeing which the sheik continued, &quot;I have promised him my horses for trial tomorrow; and if all goes well, he will drive them in the Circus.&quot;

Balthasar continued his gaze.

&quot;He came well recommended,&quot; Ilderim pursued, much puzzled. &quot;You may know him as the son of Arrius, who