Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/283

Rh with an increasing intensity of love that sharpened observation, and who saw upon it a restless expression, as of some inward doubt; and this was his sister Mary.

"Hast any troubles, Lazarus?" she asked him about two days after the entry into Jerusalem.

"I scarce know whether 't is trouble or not," he answered; "or whether the tempting of some sin to be resisted; and, if it be, whether I should have courage to resist it."

"I know," said Mary half playfully. "I guessed it long ago. Thou dost love the Magdalene."

Lazarus looked at her in wonder at her discernment.

"And she too loveth thee well, I know," went on his sister. "Yet I know not what would be said in Israel if thou didst marry the sinner."

"I care not what they say in Israel," answered Lazarus. "Henceforth I am a free man, held no more in bondage by the letter, but only by the spirit; and if methought I could raise the Magdalene once more in the eyes of those around us, I would do it gladly. Yet there is more in all this than can be readily thought out. I know not whether the Lord would have me do this thing; for when He said, 'Leave all and follow Me,' 't was, perchance, that He requireth all my service, all my heart. Then again, I fear that when our dear Master shall be dead, we too shall be seized and condemned to death, for that we loved Him and can bear witness to His great glory. Thus I know not whether 't were better to link my life with the Magdalene or not."