She started, for here she believed herself alone, then answered: "My thoughts matter nothing. Why are you here? You should be with your fellow----"
"Conspirators. Why do you not say the word? Well, because sometimes one wearies even of conspiracy. Just now we triumph and can take our ease. I wish to make the most of it. What ring is that you wear upon your finger?"
Miriam straightened herself and grew bold.
"One which Marcus sent me," she answered.
"I guessed as much. I have heard of him; he has become a creature of the mad Nero, the laughing-stock of Rome."
"I do not laugh at him, Caleb."
"No, you were ever faithful. But, say, do you laugh at me?"
"Indeed not; why should I, since you seem to fill a great and dangerous part with dignity?"
"Yes, Miriam, my part is both great and dangerous. I have risen high and I mean to rise higher."
"How high?"
"To the throne of Judæa."
"I think a cottage stool would be more safe, Caleb."
"Mayhap, but I do not like such seats. Listen, Miriam, I will be great or die. I have thrown in my lot with the Jews, and when we have cast out the Romans I shall rule."
"If you cast out the Romans, and if you live. Caleb, I have no faith in the venture. We are old friends, and I pray of you to escape from it while there is yet time."
"Why, Miriam?"
"Because He Whom your people crucified and Whom I serve prophesied its end. The Romans will crush you, Caleb. His blood lies heavy upon the head of the Jews, and the hour of payment is at hand."
Caleb thought a while, and when he spoke again the note of confidence had left his voice.
"It may be so, Miriam," he said, "though I put no faith in the sayings of your prophet; but at least I have taken my part and will see the play through. Now for the second time I ask you to share its fortunes. I have not changed my mind. As I loved you in childhood and as a youth, so I love you as a man. I offer to you a great career. In the end I may fall, or I may triumph, still either the fall or the triumph will be worth your sharing. A throne, or a glorious grave--both are good; who can say which is the better? Seek them with me, Miriam."
"Caleb, I cannot."
"Why?"
"Because it is laid upon me as a birthright, or a birth-duty, that I should wed no man who is not a Christian. You know the story."