Chapter 6

Esther offered no help in Hannah’s dilemma. It occurred to her that Simon’s quarrel with Johnny might account for his disaffection, but that was none of her business and she decided not to mention it. After a moment’s indecision, she rose and announced that she would go—at once—and try to overtake Simon.

‘He has been very kind—and I have offended him,’ she said.

‘Let me go with you,’ said Hannah, ‘as far as the highway.’

Even before they reached the gate it was evident that some unusual excitement had stirred the neighbourhood. People were pouring out of their doorways and walking rapidly toward the corner where the quiet street met the broad thoroughfare. Already a sizeable company had collected there, intent upon a procession approaching from the direction of Tiberias. They quickened their steps.

Observing David standing austerely apart from the others, but apparently waiting for whatever had brought them out, Hannah moved toward him to inquire while Esther sauntered on into the swelling crowd.

‘The Tetrarch,’ explained David absently, his eyes following Esther with undisguised interest.

‘Of course,’ remembered Hannah. ‘The days have been so like summer, I hadn’t realized it was time for their voyage.’

‘So—that’s the girl, eh?’ rumbled David. ‘A most attractive young creature! Bring her here, Hannah: I want to meet her.’

‘You won’t give me away, sir,’ pleaded Hannah, and when David had reassured her, she followed Esther into the craning pack and told her to come and meet a good friend of Simon’s. The girl only half heard. She was standing on tiptoe, completely fascinated by the slowly advancing cavalcade. Hannah took her arm.

‘I suppose you know what this is about. The Tetrarch and his household journey to Rome every year at this season, to spend the winter.’ And when Esther had nodded abstractedly, without taking her eyes off the road, Hannah urged, ‘There will be plenty of time to see them. Come, please, and meet Master David.’

Esther turned reluctantly and followed.

‘I told him I would bring you,’ Hannah explained. ‘David is our friend—but he is an eminent man, a lawyer, very learned, widely travelled…’ At that, Esther’s steps lagged.

‘But why should a man of such importance want to meet me?’ she protested. ‘And why does he stare so?’

‘All old men stare,’ said Hannah. ‘They can’t see very well.’

‘They don’t have to be old,’ retorted Esther, ‘to stare.’

Hannah thought this amusing and they were both smiling when Esther was presented. She curtseyed, but dodged the intrusive eyes. David bowed gravely, to Hannah’s mystification and the girl’s anxiety.