And this bust ?" "That, sir, is not for sale; it is a gift to my uncle, or rather to my uncles, to be set up in their court-room." An idea struck Marcus.

"I am here for a few weeks," he said.

"Tell me, lady, if your uncle Ithiel will permit it, at what price will you execute a bust of myself of the same size and quality ?" "It would be dear," said Miriam, smiling at the notion, "for the marble costs something, and the tools, which wear out.

Oh, it would be very dear!" This she repeated, wondering what she could ask in her charitable avarice.

"It would be----" yes, she would venture it--"fifty shekels!" "I am poor enough," replied Marcus quietly, "but I will give you two hundred." "Two hundred!" gasped Miriam.