"Maid of Judah, I have now the pleasure of presenting thee to my own dear
father, the king's officer, under whose roof I trust thou wilt find a
welcome home."

"And this is his only daughter, Jupheena, of whom he spoke," said
Barzello, highly delighted. "I trust the maid of Judah will find her a
pleasant companion."

Such was the effect of this innocent piece of deception on the mind of
young Perreeza, that all the response she could make, was to fall on the
neck of her young companion, and weep aloud. But those tears were tears
of joy; and those lofty walls were witnesses to the fast falling of other
tears than those shed by the maid of Judah.

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel!" cried Perreeza, when partially
recovered, "who hath given me favor in the eyes of this people! May
Jehovah smile upon his servant Barzello, and upon his lovely daughter,
who thus throw open their door to welcome an orphan maid of Israel."

"Thou shalt find under this roof a welcome home," said Barzello,
affectionately taking Perreeza by the hand; "in Jupheena thou wilt find a
worthy companion and an affectionate friend."

"Thy daughter," answered Jupheena, "will always esteem it a high pleasure
to add to the happiness of her young friend."

"And Jehovah assisting me," cried the Hebrew maid, "I will endeavor so to
walk before my kind protectors as to be always worthy of their friendly
regard."