the strict orders of Barzello, to certain appropriate apartments,
prepared for their reception, and nothing requisite to their comfort and
entertainment was left wanting. On the very first day of their arrival
the God-fearing youths found themselves to be favorites in a land of
strangers. The God in whom they trusted gave them adequate strength for
their peculiar trials. They found themselves in possession of energy of
spirit and courage, that was truly a source of wonderment to themselves.
They thought of friends and home with all the fervor of pure affection;
but it was not accompanied with those painful, agonizing emotions that
are wont to accompany the remembrance of native land and absent friends;
in regard to which state of mind they could well adopt the language of
one of their happiest monarchs: "This is the Lord's doing, and it is
marvelous in our sight."

It was about the ninth hour. The youthful group were seated together.

"Well, cousin," said Azariah, smiling and looking round the apartment,
"this has more the appearance of being guests of royalty than poor
captives of war."

"Yea, truly," replied Daniel; "and in this we clearly see the
loving-kindness of our God, by whom princes rule and kings govern."

"Our kind friend, Barzello," said Hananiah, "has promised to call on us
ere the sun sets."

"And he will certainly fulfill his promise," said Mishael.

"We have proved him a genuine and a wise counselor," said Daniel.