CHAPTER XX.
IN the cool of the garden the reunited family at Bethany sat once more at evening, watching the sunset over Jerusalem. The strangeness of the situation, the great marvel of the resurrection of Lazarus, formed the subject of every conversation.
"Is it indeed thou, Lazarus?" Martha would say in smiling wonder; and he, smiling in return, would turn his face towards the light and answer: "Dost not know thy brother?"
But Mary sat in silent adoration at the wonder of the thing, barely daring to look at her brother, asking no questions, in silent gratitude at this great happiness. All signs of mourning had disappeared. Instead, all through the day, little groups of people gathered outside the gates, clamouring to be allowed to see the risen Lazarus, who, only too glad to be the living witness of the Messiah's power, never wearied in seeing and speaking to the multitude.
The first to come had been Kishish, the physician. None better than he knew that Lazarus had indeed been dead. All that human skill could do he had
done to save the life of this favourite, wealthy patient. Nay, more, he had striven with a purpose, for he knew full well what influence his death would have upon the Jews, and how important it was for the peace of Judæa that things should remain as they
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