Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/289

Rh to the Feast of the Passover, and a few other God-fearing women, came, and in sadness and prayer the evening passed.

In Jerusalem more stirring events were taking place. The Feast of the Passover had begun; the low tables stood ready covered with the dishes prepared by Martha's loving hands, and carried by Peter and John to the chamber provided for the Nazarene. The cushions or couches were arranged, the mats spread out, and one by one they took their seats, the Messiah taking the chief place, and John reclining on the couch on the right of Jesus, so that his head was brought close to the Christ's right arm. They were dusty with their journey, and when Lazarus stooped and unfastened the latchets of the Messiah's sandals, he wished that he could wash those beloved feet; but there were no slaves present to fetch water, so in silence he took his seat.

Some instinct made him seat himself next Judas. If any treason were abroad he would be ready to defend the Christ.

The supper began gloomily. Too many mournful feelings were wafted hither and thither, anticipations were too sombre and too terrible.

To Lazarus, who believed that Judas Iscariot was about to betray the Lord, the presence of the traitor seemed unbearable. All were paralysed with wonder, expectant of something, yet they knew not what. How could they tell that evening, that repentance and eternal life would be offered to a soul so cramped by greed and avarice that it would reject heaven for hell, and all for thirty pieces of silver? Surely a sorry price for such a crime!