Esther made no attempt to conceal the effect of these words.
"Save him, father! It is not too late!" she said, entreatingly.
He answered, with a dubious smile, "A man drowning may be saved; not so a man in love."
"But you have influence with him. He is alone in the world. Show him his danger. Tell him what a woman she is."
"That might save him from her. Would it give him to you, Esther? No," and his brows fell darkly over his eyes, "I am a servant, as my fathers were for generations; yet I could not say to him, Lo, master, my daughter! She is fairer than the Egyptian, and loves thee better! I have caught too much from years of liberty and direction. The words would blister my tongue. The stones upon the old hills yonder would turn in their beds for shame when I go out to them. No, by the patriarchs, Esther, I would rather lay us both with your mother to sleep as she sleeps!"
A blush burned Esther's whole face.
"I did not mean you to tell him so, father. I was concerned for him alone—for his happiness, not mine. Because I have dared love him, I shall keep myself worthy his respect; so only can I excuse my folly. Let me read his letter now."
"Yes, read it."
She began at once, in haste to conclude the distasteful subject.
"Nisan, 8th day.
"On the road from Galilee to Jerusalem.
"The Nazarene is on the way also. With him, though without his knowledge, I am bringing a full legion of mine. A second legion follows. The Passover will excuse the multitude. He said upon setting out, We will go up to Jerusalem, and all things that are written by the prophets concerning me shall be accomplished.
"Our waiting draws to an end.
"In haste.
"Peace to thee, Simonides.
Ben-Hur."
Esther returned the letter to her father, while a choking sensation gathered in her throat. There was not a word in the missive for her—not even in the salutation had she
