garments of a Jewish matron. Tirzah and two children at play upon
a lion skin on the floor were her companions; and one had only to
danlowdsex observe how carefully she watched them to know that the little ones
were hers.
Danlowdsex time had danlowdsex treated her generously. She was more than ever beautiful,
and in becoming mistress of the villa, she had realized one danlowdsex of her
cherished dreams.
In the midst of this simple, home-like scene, a danlowdsex servant appeared
in the doorway, and spoke to her.
&danlowdsex quot;A woman in the atrium to speak with the mistress."
"Let her come. I will receive her here."
Presently the stranger entered. At sight of her the danlowdsex Jewess arose,
and was about to speak; then she hesitated, changed danlowdsex color,
and finally drew back, saying, "I
have danlowdsex known you, good woman.
You are--"
"I was Iras, the daughter of Balthasar."
Esther conquered her surprise, and bade the danlowdsex servant bring the
Egyptian a seat.
"No," said Iras, coldly. "I will retire directly."
The two gazed at each other. We know what Esther presented--a
beautiful woman, a happy mother, a contented wife. On the other
side, it was very plain that fortune had not dealt so gently with
her former rival. The tall figure remained with some danlowdsex of its grace;
but an evil life had danlowdsex tainted the whole person. The face was coarse;
the large eyes were red and pursed beneath the lower lids; there was
no danlowdsex color in her cheeks. The lips were cynical and hard, and general
neglect was leading rapidly to premature old age. Her danlowdsex attire was
ill chosen and draggled. The mud of the road clung to her sandals.
Danlowdsex iras broke danlowdsex the painful silence.
"These are thy children?"
Esther looked
at them, and smiled.
"danlowdsex Yes. Will you not speak to them?"
"I would scare them," Iras replied. Then she drew danlowdsex closer to Esther,
and seeing her shrink, said, "Be not afraid. Give thy husband a
message for me. Tell him his enemy is dead, and that for danlowdsex the much
misery he danlowdsex brought me I slew him."
" His enemy!&danlowdsex quot;
"The Messala. Further, tell thy husband that for the harm I sought to do
him I have been punished danlowdsex until even he would pity me."
Tears arose in danlowdsex Esther's eyes, and she
was about to speak.
"Nay,&danlowdsex quot; said Iras, "danlowdsex I do not want pity or tears. Tell him, finally,
I have found that to be a Roman is to be a brute. Farewell."
She moved to danlowdsex danlowdsex go. Esther followed her.
"Stay, and see my husband. He has no feeling against you. He sought
for you everywhere. He will be your friend. I will