appearing like an angel in human form, and gently responded to the very
low bow of the young Babylonian. The conversation soon became animated.
Mathias talked with all the warmth of his noble nature, producing a very
favorable impression on the mind of the maid of Judah.

"To me it is quite refreshing," said Perreeza, "to hear a name that is
familiar in Israel. I have many relatives in Judah who are called by thy
name."

"Our national feelings are strong," said the young man, "and, if I have
learned correctly, this feeling is said to be stronger in the Hebrew
heart than in all others."

"I am not so well prepared to vouch for the correctness of the
sentiment," said Perreeza, "but if my own feelings be an index to the
sentiments of others of my nation, the saying is abundantly true."

"It is certainly an admirable trait of character," said the young man,
"and the individual in a foreign land who can think of the home of his
fathers without strong emotion is not, in my opinion, an individual to be
envied."

"Permit the maid of Judah to thank her friend for that noble sentiment."

Here the conversation was arrested by a signal from Barzello, and the
young people went forward to join the other members of the family.

"This is Perreeza, of the royal line of Judah," said Barzello, taking the
maid gently by the hand, "whom I have the great pleasure of presenting to
my illustrious friend Joram."