When his service was complete, he took up the bowl and
cast-off dress and went forth.
After a time he brought in a couch-like divan, dressed it with fringed
linen and strewed it with cushions; next, he suspended a cluster of
lamps from the center-pole; set a tiny inlaid table close to the couch,
and on the table put a bottle of wine and a beaker; and brought last a
heap of fine rugs and coverings which he laid in one corner. The tent
was furnished and nobly. The man bowed before Kenkenes, awaiting the
Egyptian's further pleasure, but at a sign from the young man, bowed
again and retired.
Kenkenes went over to the divan and sat down on it, to wait.
Presently some one entered behind him. He arose and turned. Before
him was the most welcome picture his bereaved eyes could have looked
upon. His visitor was all in shimmering white and wore no ornament
except a collar of golden rings. What need of further adornment when
she was mantled and crowned with a glory of golden hair? Except that
the face was marble white and the eyes dark and large with quiet
sorrow, it was the same divinely beautiful Rachel!
It may have been that he was beyond the recuperative influence of
sudden joy, or that the unexpected restoration of his love might have
swept away his forces had he been in full strength; but whatever the
cause, Kenkenes sank to his knees and forward into the eager arms flung
out to receive him.
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