Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/154

142 "In the far future many will worship thee, in that thou wast so chosen," replied the Magdalene. "But I must not tarry with my news that will soothe thy aching heart: I have seen Lazarus."

"Is it even so?" said the virgin mother calmly.

She had seen too many miracles, been too closely bound to the Messiah to be surprised at the news that Lazarus had risen; or, indeed, at any miracle performed by the God-Man. Then she went on: "What said Martha and Mary at the miracle? Did many believe?"

"Nay, but it is no miracle, mother of the Christ," replied the Magdalene. "It was his spirit only that I saw in the olive groves, and he bade me tell thee that thy Lord was not at Bethany yet, but safe with the brethren."

Over the sweet face there came a quieter, more peaceful look, as of one who had received a respite from some dreadful danger.

"Will He not then restore him ?" asked the gentle voice.

"I know not," answered Mary Magdalene sadly, lifting her veil from her face and seating herself on a stool.

"Poor Magdalene! Thou dost love Lazarus," said the mother of Christ, "and they who love must suffer."

The eyes of the Magdalene filled with tears; then, laying her hands timidly on the Virgin's knees, as though to touch so lovely a woman were to defile her, she replied: "Lazarus I have ever loved. But how should a ruler of Israel call a harlot wife? Yet, in his very scorn of me I love him; and, now that I