Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ Anthologie by Lewis Wallace & LEW WALLACE

Author:Lewis Wallace & LEW WALLACE [Wallace, Lewis & WALLACE, LEW]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Fiction, Historical
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

What, think you they will hold me prisoner ?" They are crafty."

They dare not! " and the Princess' cheek reddened with indignation. " My kinsman is not powerless— and even the great Amurath " —

" Forgive me, I pray; but there was never mantle to cover so many crimes as the conveniences kings call * reasons of state.' "

She looked vaguely up the river which the tempest was covering with promiscuous air-blown drifting; but recovering, she said: *' It is for me to pray pardon, Prince. I detain you."

**Not at all," he answered. **I have to remark next, if my conjecture prove correct, a lady of imperial rank might find herself ill at ease and solitary in a hold like this Castle, which, speaking by report, is now kept to serve some design of war to come more particularly than domestic or social life."

The imagination of the Princess caught the idea eagerly, and, becoming active, presented a picture of a Moslem lair without women or apartments for women. Her mind filled with alarm.

"Oh, that I could recall the message!" she exclaimed. "I should not have tempted the Governor by ofiPering to become his guest upon any condition."

* * Nay, do not accuse yourself. The decision was brave and excellent in every view," he said, perceiving his purpose in such fair way. *'For see—the storm increases in strength; yonder"—^he pointed toward Alem Daghy—"the rain comes. Not by thy choice, O Princess, but the will of God, thou art here!"

He spoke impressively, and she bent her head, and crossed herself twice.

*'A sad plight truly," he continued. "Fortu-

nately it may be in a measure relieved. Here is my daughter, Lael by name. The years have scarcely outrun her cliildhood. More at mercy than thyself, because without rank to make the oppressor careful, or an imperial kinsman to revengB a wrong done her, she is subject to whatever threatens you—a cell in this infidel stronghold, ruffians for attendants, discomforts to cast her into fever, separation from me to keep her afraid. Why not suflPer her to go with vou ? She can serve as tirewoman or com-panion. In villany the boldest often hesitate when two are to be overcome."

The speech was effective.

'' O Prince, I have not words to express my gratitude. I am thy debtor. Heaven may have brought this crisis, but it has not altogether deserted me— And in good time I See—my messenger, with a following! Let thy daugliter come, and sit with me now—and do thou stand by to lend me of thy wisdom in case appeal to it become necessary. Quick! Nay, Prince, Sergius is young and strong. Permit him to bring the child to me."

The monk made haste. Drawing the boat close to the shore, he gave Lael his strong hand. Directly she was delivered to the Princess, and seated beside her.

" Now they may come!"

Til us the Princess acknowledged the strength derivable from companionship. The result was perceptible in her voice once more clear, and her face actually sparkling with confidence and courage.

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