With the noble feeling of a sister's heart, and of her own accord, she
accompanied her brothers to a land of strangers. She is as free as any
daughter of Chaldea; and therefore my Jupheena will be happy to introduce
her to her friends in her real character, as a youthful maid of the royal
line of Judah. In thus drawing a line of distinction between yourselves
and your sister, far be it from me to think that your present relation to
our government renders you, in any real sense, inferior to others--'tis
but a name, and will soon be forgotten; for it is in the power of the
king to elevate you, not only to proper citizenship, but to high rank and
prominent stations in the government.

"Your sister will now accompany us home. Any article she wishes conveyed
thither, shall be sent for without delay. Now, my daughter, are we
ready?"

"All ready, father, unless Perreeza has aught unfinished."

"I have naught to hinder," answered Perreeza, with a trembling voice.



CHAPTER X.

IN A ROYAL apartment, decorated in superlative grandeur, sat the powerful
monarch of Chaldea. He was alone. His countenance bespoke a degree of
self-complacency and satisfaction. Around him, on a rich carpet, were
several large scrolls of manuscript, while, in his hand, he held
carelessly what appeared to be a well-arranged map of battle fields and
grand points of attack. Chaldea, at this time, was the seat of science
and learning. Thither the great of other nations resorted to acquire