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In the meanwhile, Malluch, acting for Ben-Hur, who could not longer endure the emptiness and decay of his father's house, had bought it from Pontius Pilate; and, in process of repair, gates, courts, lewens, stairways, terraces, rooms, and roof had been cleansed and thoroughly restored; not only was there no reminder left of the tragic circumstances so ruinous to the family, but the refurnishment was in a style richer than before.
He felt himself in the hands of Providence no longer his enemy. At last there was a sound of horse's feet coming rapidly, and Malluch rode up. "Son of Arrius," he said, cheerily, after salutation, "I salute you for Sheik Ilderim, who requests you to mount and go to the city. He is waiting for you." Ben-Hur asked no questions, but went in where the horses were feeding.
The rabbis in Jerusalem would look down upon him, I fear, as a son of a dog of Edom. How came he in possession of the Orchard? And how has he been able to hold it against the greed of Roman governors?" "If blood derives excellence from time, son of Arrius, then is old Ilderim a man, though he be an uncircumcised Edomite." Malluch spoke warmly. "All his fathers before him were sheiks.
Let thy increase of power and influence inure to the King who comes. Who shall say it was not allowed thee for him? In the work I am going to, I may have great need. Saying no now will leave me to ask of thee with better grace hereafter." In the midst of a controversy of the kind, two messengers arrived Malluch and one unknown. The former was admitted first.
"I will not wait to begin it. Time forbids waiting. The ship that brought the news of the suffering of our brethren shall take me to Rome. I will sail to-morrow." He turned to Malluch. "Get the ship ready, Malluch, and be thou ready to go with me. "It is well," said Simonides. "And thou, Esther, what sayest thou?" asked Ben-Hur. Esther came to his side, and put her hand on his arm, and answered,
"Ah, Malluch, his words give me his words; let me judge the impression the mystery made upon him." "He wanted to know the exact words. Were they TO BE or BORN TO BE? It appeared he was struck by a seeming difference in the effect of the two phrases." Simonides settled back into his pose of listening judge.
With blessings given and received, Malluch set out in return.
"Good Malluch," he said, stopping, "may a man forget his mother?" The question was abrupt and without direction, and therefore of the kind which leaves the person addressed in a state of confusion.
I sent Malluch to find out for me, and in the service he was my eyes and ears. Do not blame him. He brought me report of you which was all good." "I do not," said Ben-Hur, heartily. "There was wisdom in your goodness." "The words are very pleasant to me," said the merchant, with feeling, "very pleasant. My fear of misunderstanding is laid. Let the rivers run on now as God may give them direction."
"Malluch is a laggard to-night," he said, showing where his thoughts were. "Do you believe he will come?" Esther asked. "Unless he has taken to the sea or the desert, and is yet following on, he will come." Simonides spoke with quiet confidence. "He may write," she said. "Not so, Esther.
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