her journey, she experienced but a very slight inconvenience."

[image 3]

"But she must be further provided for. She must have a permanent home in
the vicinity of her brothers. An officer of the king, in the city, with
whom I am well acquainted, having learned something of the history and
deportment of this your sister, would desire her, if not contrary to her
wishes, to be an inmate of his house, and a companion for his only
child--a maiden of sixteen summers. Would this be acceptable to the young
damsel?"

"Abundantly acceptable, most kind Barzello!" said Perreeza. "Thy young
handmaid is ready at any time to do the pleasure of her protector."

"Then I will accompany thee thither without any delay."

Perreeza withdrew to another apartment, and in a short time, returned,
attired in her rich native costume, and giving Barzello a sign that she
was ready, they both left the apartment. Soon Perreeza found herself by
the side of her kind friend, in a richly-ornamented chariot, that hurried
them through the wide and busy thoroughfares. Perreeza was somewhat
astonished at the greatness and grandeur of this Gentile metropolis.

"Your Babylon is truly a great city," said she.

"The greatest on record. How in thine eye compares its beauty with the
capital of Judah?"

"In the ornamental--in splendid gardens and bubbling fountains--Babylon