CHAPTER XVIII.
"THE Magdalene standeth without and asketh audience of thee." These were the words that greeted Pontius Pilate immediately on entering the audience chamber.
"'T is a strange request," the Procurator murmured; "yet methinks it may have somewhat to do with the rumour that hath reached my ears, that Caiaphas did see her yesterday and also the mother of the Nazarene. I was about to look into this, for, even if he go so far in his hate of the Nazarene as to persecute Him, and even slay Him, this frightening of women doth ill become a high priest, and I will have none of it."
Then, turning to the soldier, he said: "Bid her pass in."
Weary with her night of watching, pale, yet ever beautiful, the Magdalene came into the presence of the Roman Governor.
"What wouldst thou, Mary?" asked Pontius Pilate, with that tone of temperate kindliness that showed his wish to give justice and consideration to all. "Thy request must be made short, for I have much to do this day. By midday I must meet Caiaphas at the Tribunal, where the question of the releasing of a captive to the people will be finally decided. Doubtless 't is touching this that thou art
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