The feast--a memorial of the deliverance from Egypt--had now a double meaning for him.

So he wished to make this _detour_ to the royal city on his way to his native Galilee, and especially that, after their sojourn in the land of the heathen, he might introduce Jesus to the public worship of the chosen people.

Joseph and Mary clasped each other's hands in quiet joy when they were once again journeying through their native land, breathing its fresh air, seeing the well-known plants and creatures, hearing the familiar tongue.

Jesus remained calm.

If he found any childish memories there, they would be of the king who had persecuted him.