“What a splendid feast you gave us last night. I wish to thank you in the name of my household, all of whom enjoyed themselves.” “Thank you,” said Deborah shyly. She was timid and ill at ease, yet she managed to appear calm and smiling. “It was nothing, or at least for such an occasion, nothing....” And she gave Uncle David a nudge with her elbow. But now that Uncle David found himself called upon to say something, confusion rendered him speechless. “Yes,” he said feebly, “an occasion....” Prince Ahab broke in, with a smile: “A feast in honor to a prophet. Do you think I have forgotten what is due your son for his help against Aram? A feast like that is not too good for him.” Warmed by his tone, Deborah said eagerly: “If you only knew him; such kindness, with all that talent besides. He has made a great success, and he is still a very young man.” “I do not doubt it,” replied Prince Ahab. “He speaks to angels,” continued Deborah proudly, “but he is like a lamb with his own mother.” “Say something,” she whispered to Uncle David; “make an effort.” “Yes,” said Uncle David. “I congratulate you upon your son,” said Prince Ahab heartily; “there are too few in Israel like him. I am proud to have him in my village. I was saying as much the other day to my niece, the Lady Judith.” And he added hopefully, “Does he speak of another war?” “No,” said Deborah, “he is not thinking of wars just now.” She hung her head, and gazed at the floor. Presently she lifted her head again, and looked, full of blushes, at the Prince. “He has something else on his mind,” she said. “Are you dumb?” she whispered in Uncle David’s ear. Uncle David gave a start. “As a matter of fact,” he said huskily, “it is this way: Jonah is thinking of settling down.” “Ah,” said Prince Ahab, and curled his beard idly in his fingers. “Well, that would be too bad. Such men as he have work to do in the world. We cannot afford to lose such optimistic voices. To whom is Israel to look for her glory if not to such prophets as your son, my good Deborah? No, no, I hope he will not settle down.” “He has made up his mind,” said Deborah; “I cannot argue with him.” And she added in a voice too low for Ahab’s ears, “He is like a goat.” “As a matter of fact,” said Uncle David suddenly, “he has made up his mind to marry.” “To marry?” exclaimed Prince Ahab. “What?” And he stood frowning with disappointment. “Then there will be no more wars,” he declared gloomily. But Deborah replied with conviction: “One can marry and still be a prophet. And my son is particularly suited to be a husband. He is gentle and pure.” “That must please you,” said Ahab, “although I do not know if it is the best thing in a husband. “Well,” he said, with a sigh, “I dare say there is no help for it. So tell me what I can do for you, my good Deborah.” And he gazed amiably at the two who stood before him shifting on their feet with embarrassment. It was Deborah at last who spoke.