"I who have
been empty for long, am full again, and since I cannot reward you I pray
to the gods that they will do so. Beautiful Daughter, may you never know
what it is to lack a meal."
At this saying Tua could restrain herself no more. A large tear from her
eyes fell upon Kepher's rough hand as she answered with a little sob:
"I am glad that you are comforted with meat, but do not mock us, Friend,
seeing that we are but lost wanderers who very soon must starve, since
now our food is done."
"What, Daughter?" asked the old man in an astonished voice, "what? Can I
believe that you gave all you had to a beggar of the wilderness, and sat
still while he devoured it? And is it for this reason that you weep?"
"Forgive me, Father, but it is so," answered Tua. "I am ashamed of such
weakness, but recently my friend here and I have known hunger, very sore
hunger, and the dread of it moves me. Come, Asti, let us be going while
our strength remains in us."
Kepher looked up at the name, then turned to Tua and said:
"Daughter, your face is fair, and your heart is perfect, since otherwise
you would not have dealt with me as you have done.
Pages:
308
309
310
311
312
313
314
315
316
317
318
319
320
321
322
323
324
325
326
327
328
329
330
331
332