A faint light came into Laodice's eyes as she looked at him; he returned her gaze with a gradual softening that was intensely complimentary.
Between the two was effected instant and lasting fellowship.

Before Momus' indignant eyes the shepherd was blushing happily.
"Who art thou ?" Laodice asked.
"They call me Joseph, son of Thomas." After a silence she said softly, "I am not at liberty to tell my name." She remembered the secrecy of Philadelphus' mission.

"Yet perchance if the God of my fathers prosper me and my husband, I may come to Pella--as thy queen." The boy's eyes brightened and he drew in a sharp breath, but almost instantly the animation died and he looked at her sorrowfully.

It seemed that she read dissent and sympathy commingled in his gaze.

But he was a Christian; he could not believe and hope as she hoped.
"Can I do aught for you ?" he asked disjointedly.
"Our duty is rather toward you, child," she answered, suddenly arousing to the peril they might bring their free-handed host.