Page:Traditions of Palestine (microform) (IA traditionsofpale00martrich).pdf/43

 they were glad together over some which were full of promise; they pondered together some which were mysterious; they sighed together over some few sayings which seemed at variance with the sanctified word of Jehovah. While listening to such, Sadoc had feared to offer himself as one of the twelve men whom Jesus had chosen to be his companions and his helpers in his doctrine and his works. While listening to such, Sadoc had resolved to know all before he should seek to convert his father’s household; and he now grieved that he should have nothing to answer if his father should question him concerning them. No preparation was yet made against their Roman conquerors; and the words of the Prophet tended to lower the confidence of the chosen people, and to subvert some of their customs which were sanctified by tradition and the authority of the scribes.

Sadoc beheld how his sister’s eye still rested on the child, while they talked. He marvelled that she should have eyes or attention for any but himself, at this time. She started when the little one escaped from her grasp; and she gazed on his face with tenderness and, as it seemed, with awe.