It was open above and below
this simple seam and interfered not at all with the freedom of the
wearer's movements. But Rachel's habit was a voluminous surplice,
fitting closely at the neck, supplied with wide sleeves, seamed, hemmed
and of ample length. Deborah was literally swathed in covering, with
only her withered face and hands exposed. There was a hint of rank in
their superior dress and more than a suggestion of blood in the bearing
of the pair; but they were laborers with the shepherds and
serving-people of Israel.
"He would wed thee, after the manner of thy people, and take thee from
among Israel," Deborah continued.
The girl drooped her head over the lacing of her habit and made no
answer. The old woman looked at her sharply for a moment.
"Well, eat; Rachel, eat," she urged at last. "The marsh-hen will stand
thee in good stead and thou hast a weary day before thee."
Rachel looked at the old woman and made mental comparison between the
ancient figure and her strong, young self. With great deliberation she
divided the fowl into a large and small part.
"This," she said, extending the larger to Deborah, "is thine. Take
it," waving aside the protests of the old woman, "or the first taste of
it will choke me.
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