Page:Lazarus, a tale of the world's great miracle.djvu/54

42 not the Christ's custom to journey after dark. Her heart, prone now to constant shocks and dreads, beat violently; yet with no physical fear she approached the gate.

"Who is without?" " 'T is I, Mary Magdalene. I come with a message."

Mary unfastened the gate quickly.

"Welcome, all they that come in the name of the Lord," she said.

"I will not detain thee but for a few moments, for Martha doth not willingly see me here," said the Magdalene sadly.

"This grief about our brother Lazarus hath softened much the heart of Martha," answered Mary gently, taking the Magdalene's hand in hers; "but why comest thou?"

The two women walked along the path together till they reached the marble seat on which Lazarus had given way to despair so dire. It was so dark now that neither could see the other's face.

"'T was James and John that bid me come, Mary, to tell thee that Caiaphas sought this day to lay hands upon the Lord."

A cry rose from the lips of Mary, but the Magdalene interrupted her.

"Nay, fear not, Mary; His hour hath not yet come. They have not taken Him." Then she went on: "'T was a wondrous sight, the brethren told me. The Lord stood in the porch of Solomon, and great multitudes were assembled. And on the terrace of his dwelling stood Caiaphas, the High Priest himself, and listened; and Nicodemus with