The Young Captives

e to their comfort and entertainment was left wanting. On the very first day of their arrival the God-fearing youths found themselves to be favorites in a land of strangers. The God in whom

ng emotions that are wont to accompany the remembrance of native land and absent friends; in regard to which state of mind the

hour. The youthful grou

ound the apartment, "this has more the appearance o

we clearly see the loving-kindness of our G

aid Hananiah, "has promised to

nly fulfill his pro

genuine and a wise c

l ever remain deeply graven o

be her good providence to be always near the goo

tion of the King of kings, will order

our good Prophet," said Mishael, "and calmly subm

en!" replied

rzello entered the apartment. The youths unitedly arose, an

m Judah find these apartments

and hope, in some sphere, by a true and honest deportment, to be a

el after her long journey?" asked Barzel

health; and being so well pr

ntered the

a very slight

whom I am well acquainted, having learned something of the history and deportment of this your sister, would desire her, if not contrary to her w

aid Perreeza. "Thy young handmaid is ready at

pany thee thither

e was ready, they both left the apartment. Soon Perreeza found herself by the side of her kind friend, in a richly-ornamented chariot, that h

s truly a great

in thine eye compares its bea

ardens and bubbling fountains-Ba

herself in front of one of the most b

asked Perreeza, gazing with a degree

ewhat embarrassed. Let the maid of Judah have no fear

ome?" asked the maid, ende

and will soon be in," rep

s!" cried Perreeza, br

, let us enter, for the officer's daughter is in hast

to surprise his young companion, he entered a spacious apartment, richly furnished and bea

irecting his language to Perreeza, at the same time giving Jupheena a glance that was readi

y a magic spell, were dr

soon return; when he comes, thou wilt be most happy to present to him thy young compa

n deeply affected by thy history, and that of thy noble brothers. I trust,

ecially the most excellent Barzello. His sympathies have well-nigh overwhelmed us, and we shall love him as long as we live, and implor

r of the maid of Judah," replied Jupheena, smiling, "bu

icer, but no other officer was present. Jupheena arose, and,

g thee to my own dear father, the king's officer, un

spoke," said Barzello, highly delighted. "I trust t

e could make, was to fall on the neck of her young companion, and weep aloud. But those tears were tears of joy

ven me favor in the eyes of this people! May Jehovah smile upon his servant Barzello, and u

lo, affectionately taking Perreeza by the hand; "in Jupheena

l always esteem it a high pleasure to a

"I will endeavor so to walk before my kind protecto

o, addressing himself to his daughter, "she may be ag

of the happiness of their sister; and to me, it will afford th

said Barzello, "she may accompany

gratefully accept

ay, while Jupheena will accompany her father on an errand of business at the house of an office

thanking the officer with one of her pec

ing to meet her. "And did our sister see the king's of

ster, while unusual joy b

d to judge that the interview has been

noble officer's kindness is unbounded, and his dau

ndness of Barzello, in the warmth of her g

raven on Perreeza's heart to be ever forgotten; and while I remain under the roof of the

Mishael, "and if this officer, under whose roof she has found a shelter, partakes of the spirit

this point. This noble officer, whose house is to be my future home, is none other than our own illustrious Barzello

broke from the lips

his lovely Jupheena are below, and will be here in a few moments, and fr

ter. Perreeza ran to meet her young companion, while the four youths were not wanting in appropriate

communications from any of the king

om any source, since the departure of their kin

regard to your future course; and I trust ye will find that our noble monar

regards for their beloved sister, whom thou hast taken as an inmate of thy hospitable mansion. Perreez

e. With the noble feeling of a sister's heart, and of her own accord, she accompanied her brothers to a land of strangers. She is as free as any daughter of Chaldea; and therefore my Jupheena will be happy to introduce her to her friends in her real character, as a youthful maid of the royal line of Judah. In thus drawing a line of distinction

cle she wishes conveyed thither, shall be sent fo

unless Perreeza ha

r," answered Perreeza,