when those I love dearer than life are far away!"

"Surely that would be our joy and desire," replied Azariah, "but alas! I
fear it will not be possible to have such a request granted. The exact
number is selected and no females are marked on the captive list."

"But dear brother, an effort must be put forth without delay to procure
thy sister permission."

"Yea, beloved, and an effort will be put forth, promptly and urgently."

This answer of the brother partly soothed the troubled spirit of the
young damsel, and the suggestion on her part opened a little door of hope
before the brothers.

Amonober, father of these interesting youths, was a brother of King
Josiah. Another brother was Baromon, who had died leaving a widow,
Josepha, a son, Daniel, and two daughters. The two families stood among
the foremost in the religious and social life of the Holy City. Young
Daniel was one of the noble youths chosen by Nebuchadnezzar to go to
Babylon. His pious and noble mother and sisters, after their first
outburst of grief, committed him to God's care. They became reconciled to
their bereavement through the counsel of Jeremiah, who declared that the
God of Israel was shaping the whole affair for the advancement of his
kingdom on earth.



CHAPTER VII.