THE ESSENES LOSE THEIR QUEEN The Court of the Essenes was gathered in council debating the subject of the departure of their ward, Miriam.

She must go, that was evident, since not even for her, whom they loved as though each of them had been in truth her father or her uncle, could their ancient, sacred rule be broken.

But where was she to go and how should she be supported as became her?
These were the questions that troubled them and that they debated earnestly.

At length her great-uncle Ithiel suggested that she should be summoned before them, that they might hear her wishes.

To this his brethren agreed, and he was sent to fetch her.
A while later, attended by Nehushta, Miriam arrived, clad in a robe of pure white, and wearing on her head a wimple of white, edged with purple, and about her waist a purple scarf.