Indeed, from that day to the end of her life she loved the sea in all its moods, and for hours at a time would find it sufficient company.

Perhaps this was because the seethe of its waves was the first sound that her ears had heard, while her first breath was salted with its spray.
From Jerusalem, Benoni had sent messengers mounted on swift horses bidding his servants make ready to receive a guest.

So it came about that when she entered his palace in Tyre, Miriam found it decked as though for a bride, and wandered in amazement--she who had known nothing better than the mud-houses of the Essenes--from hall to hall of the ancient building that in bygone generations had been the home of kings and governors.

Benoni followed her steps, watching her with grave eyes, till at length all was visited save the gardens belonging to him which were on the mainland.
"Are you pleased with your new home, daughter ?" he asked presently.
"My grandfather, it is beautiful," she answered.

"Never have I dreamed of such a place as this.