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Early one evening Barzello had succeeded in persuading Joram to accompany him home. He had spoken of the young captives and the beautiful Perreeza, and wished the merchant and his family to know them. The two elderly men were accompanied to the officer's house by Mathias, the adopted son of Joram.
"It must be that through his kind interposition our beloved sister found so good a home," said Mishael, "and if this officer, under whose roof she has found a shelter, partakes of the spirit of Barzello, her home must be a happy one. Perreeza, does he appear like unto our noble friend?" "The very image of him!" said the sister, laughing heartily.
"The noble friend of Barzello will accept the thanks of his unworthy young acquaintance for his very happy compliment," said Perreeza. "Well," responded Joram, "one Hebrew lay, accompanied by the harp of Judah, will recompense us a thousand times." "That shall be attended to with pleasure," said Perreeza, and the two young women left to bring the harp.
"Thou shalt find under this roof a welcome home," said Barzello, affectionately taking Perreeza by the hand; "in Jupheena thou wilt find a worthy companion and an affectionate friend." "Thy daughter," answered Jupheena, "will always esteem it a high pleasure to add to the happiness of her young friend."
"Perreeza," said Barzello, "from pure love for her three brothers, of whom I spake, saw fit to leave her native land and venture her future destiny among strangers." "I trust," answered Ashpenaz, "they are indeed worthy of such a sister's pure affection." "That is a point soon settled in the minds of all who have the pleasure of their acquaintance."
"For conversation we have but a short time," said Perreeza; "Barzello and his lovely Jupheena are below, and will be here in a few moments, and from hence I accompany them to their home. Hark ye! I hear their footsteps." Barzello, with a smiling countenance, entered the apartment, leading by the hand his beautiful daughter.
And furthermore, Barzello, see that she is well provided for, and dealt gently with, for the maiden is of kingly line." "All this shall be strictly attended to, O king," said the well-pleased officer, as he respectfully left the presence of the monarch. It was now late in the afternoon.
"I have all confidence in the judgment and wisdom of my worthy friend," answered Ashpenaz, "and it affords me much pleasure to hear such a favorable report of those who are to be placed under my charge; and I assure my good Barzello, that their worth and excellence will be duly noticed and appreciated."
"And the prayers of thy servants shall always ascend to the God of Judah for ten thousand blessings on the head of Barzello;" and in the most respectful manner, they left the apartment. "Barzello," said the King of Babylon, in a pleasant mood, "are my chosen captives in a ready trim for their departure?" "All ready at the word of command, O king." "But what thinkest thou of those brothers?
All gazed with solemn delight on Perreeza as she laid aside her harp and took her seat beside Jupheena. Suddenly, the disappearance of Joram was noticed, and Barzello sprang up in an agitated manner. The merchant was not in the room, and none had seen him depart. "In the name of the gods, what has befallen my good friend!" cried the officer, as he went to the adjoining apartment.
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