Another band of horsemen were descending the hill from Bethlehem.

Swiftly they came near and halted.
"God send you peace," said the voice of a maiden.

"We seek one Vergilius, officer of the cohort." "And who is he that you should seek him ?" said the young tribune, dismounting quickly.
"My lover," said she, a note of trouble in her voice, "and I do fear his life is in peril." Vergilius was at her side.

Now the light of the great star shone full upon them.
"Blood of my heart!" he whispered, lifting the maiden from her horse.
"Oh, you that have made me love you with the great love!" she cried, pressing her cheek upon his.

"I have been as one lost in the desert, and I thank the one God he has led me to you." A moment they stood together and all were silent.
"God has answered my prayer," said he.