"All the better, my friend."

A female servant was sent to the young ladies' room to inform them that
they were wanted below, and in a few minutes the two girls were seen,
side by side, marching into the presence of the delighted officers.
Perreeza never appeared lovelier. Attired in the rich, flowing simplicity
of her Hebrew costume, with a degree of blushing modesty on her yet
animated countenance, she appeared almost angelic. Jupheena, perfectly
acquainted with her father's friend, felt not the least embarrassment.

"Two beauties instead of one, surely," said Ashpenaz, gazing with wonder
on the fair form of Perreeza.

Barzello took the maid of Judah by the hand, and, approaching his friend,
said:

"This is young Perreeza, of the royal line of Judah, who, of her own
accord, accompanied her brothers to the land of the Chaldeans, and has
seen fit to favor us with her company."

"No very small favor, Barzello," cried Ashpenaz, bowing low. "I hope the
partiality of the gods will not make us quarrel."

"Let not my noble friend be unjust to the gods. If the maid of Judah is
an inmate of the house of Barzello, I trust that three brothers and a
cousin, given to the sole charge of Ashpenaz, will convince him that the
gods are not partial."

"Ah! that will do," said Ashpenaz, still gazing on the maid of Judah.