Chapter 19

‘But that unhappy affair wasn’t the Master’s fault, sire!’ declared Esther. ‘He rebuked the crowd for its discourtesy.’

‘Yes—I know, dear child,’ said David, ‘but that didn’t restore Ben-Sholem’s wounded pride. He wanted no favours from the Carpenter.’

The old lawyer sighed deeply and drew his robe about him. It was chilly in the shade of the trees. Esther rose and they strolled toward the gates.

‘I feel that I should go to Jerusalem,’ she said.

‘I shouldn’t if I were you,’ advised David. ‘You have had enough trouble—and there is nothing that you can do.’ He bade her good-day and slowly retraced his steps through the grove.

As Esther neared Hannah’s house, she paused to note the little companies of pilgrims on the highway, setting forth on their annual journey to the Holy City. In each family group one of the younger men pushed a cart containing tents and provisions. Some of the larger carts were drawn by donkeys. The people moved along slowly, for it was a long trip on foot and they must conserve their strength.

Hannah was cutting an armful of roses. She wept inconsolably when Esther said she had resolved to go to Jerusalem. Silently they packed a rucksack with the necessities of the journey; and that afternoon they parted tearfully at the shady corner where the quiet street met the broad highway.

‘Something tells me,’ sobbed Hannah, ‘that I shall never see you again! Never!’

Esther was too moved to make a reply. She kissed Hannah tenderly, and joined the plodding pilgrims. A friendly young woman told her it was a beautiful day, and she agreed; but her heart was heavy.

‘Are you alone?’ asked her new friend.

‘Yes,’ said Esther. It was true. She had never felt more alone in her life.

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