But at least you said you loved me, and in wearing these trinkets you break no duty to the dead.

Write to me, I pray you, if you can find a messenger.

Or, if you cannot write, think of me always as I do of you.

Oh, that we were back together in that happy village of the Essenes, to whom, as to yourself, be all good fortune! Farewell.
"Your ever faithful friend and lover, "Marcus." Miriam finished her letter, kissed it, and hid it in her bosom.

Then she opened the packet and unlocked the ivory box within by a key that hung to it.