Page:Ben-Hur a tale of the Christ.djvu/98

Rh and so related to his history, religion, and God that it responded instantly to derision of them. Wherefore it is not speaking too strongly to say that Messala's progress down to the last pause was exquisite torture to his hearer; at that point the latter said, with a forced smile,

&quot;There are a few, I have heard, who can afford to make a jest of their future; you convince me, O my Messala, that I am not one of them.&quot;

The Roman studied him; then replied, &quot;Why not the truth in a jest as well as a parable? The great Fulvia went fishing the other day; she caught more than all the company besides. They said it was because the barb of her hook was covered with gold.&quot;

&quot;Then you were not merely jesting?&quot;

&quot;My Judah, I see I did not offer you enough,&quot; the Roman answered, quickly, his eyes sparkling. &quot; When I am prefect, with Judea to enrich me, I—will make you high-priest.&quot;

The Jew turned off angrily.

&quot;Do not leave me,&quot; said Messala.

The other stopped irresolute.

&quot;Gods, Judah, how hot the sun shines!&quot; cried the patrician, observing his perplexity. &quot;Let us seek a shade.&quot;

Judah answered, coldly,

&quot;We had better part. I wish I had not come. I sought a friend and find a—&quot;

&quot;Roman,&quot; said Messala, quickly.

The hands of the Jew clenched, but controlling himself again, he started off. Messala arose, and, taking the mantle from the bench, flung it over his shoulder, and followed after; when he gained his side, he put his hand upon his shoulder and walked with him.

&quot;This is the way—my hand thus—we used to walk when we were children. Let us keep it as far as the gate.&quot;

Apparently Messala was trying to be serious and kind, though he could not rid his countenance of the habitual satirical expression. Judah permitted the familiarity.

&quot;You are a boy; I am a man; let me talk like one.&quot;

The complacency of the Roman was superb. Mentor lecturing the young Telemachus could not have been more at ease.