The woman rode up and instantly the mute stepped between her and his young mistress and went on with his work.
Laodice understood the question in the woman's attitude although, with true sense of an inferior's place, the stranger did not speak.
"We are unclean," Laodice said with effort.

"We have come from a pestilential city and we have touched the dead.

We can not enter a town with these defilements upon us, except to present ourselves to a priest for examination and separation.

Furthermore, we must burn our unessential belongings.

If you are a Jewess all these things are known to you." The woman extended her hands, palms upward, with a grace that was almost dainty.
"Lady," she said behind her unlifted veil, "I am an unlettered woman and have been accustomed to the instruction of my masters.