But we--we are faithful to Christ Jesus, we are no traitors. If I, I the
Mukaukas, had consented to go over to the Khaliff I might have been a
prince in purple, and have governed my own country in his name. How many
have deserted to the Moslems! And the temptation will come to you, too,
and their faith offers much that is attractive to the crowd. They
imagine a Paradise full of unspeakably alluring joys--but we, my son--
we shall meet again in our own, shall we not?"

"Yes, yes, Father!" cried the young man. "I will remain a Christian,
staunch and true. . ."

"That is right," interrupted the sick man. He was determined to forget
that his son wished to marry a Melchite and went on quickly: "Paula...
But no more of that. Remain faithful to your own creed--otherwise...
However, child, seek your own road; you are--but you will walk in the
right way, and it is because I know that, know it surely, that I can die
so calmly.

"I have provided abundantly for your temporal welfare. I have been a
good husband, a faithful father, have I not, O Saviour?--Have I not,
Neforis? And that which is my best and surest comfort is that for many
long years I have administered justice in this land, and never, never
once--and Thou my Refuge and Comforter art my witness!--never once
consciously or willingly have I been an unrighteous judge. Before me the
poor were equal with the rich, the powerful with the helpless widow. Who
would have dared..." Here he broke off; his eyes, wandering feebly round
the room, fell on Mary who had sunk on her knees, opposite to Orion on
the other side of the bed. The dying man, who had thus summed up the
outcome of a long and busy life, ceased his reflections, and when the
child saw that he was vainly trying to turn his powerless head towards