It seemed that Ithiel had already set out the case, since the President at once began to question her on various points of her story, all of which she was able to explain to the satisfaction of the Court.  Then they debated the matter among themselves, some of them arguing that as the child was a female, as well as its nurse, neither of them could properly be admitted to the care of the community, especially as both were of the Christian faith, and it was stipulated that in this faith they should remain.  Others answered that hospitality was their first duty, and that he would be weak indeed who was led aside from their rule by a Libyan woman of middle age and an infant of a few months.  Further, that the Christians were a good people, and that there was much in their doctrines which tallied with their own.  Next, one made a strange objection—­namely, that if they adopted this child they would learn to love it too much, who should love God and their order only.  To this another answered, Nay, they should love all mankind, and especially the helpless.

“Mankind, not womankind,” was the reply; “for this infant will grow into a woman.”

Now they desired Nehushta to retire that they might take the votes.  Before she went, however, holding up the child that all could see it as it lay smiling in her arms, she implored them not to reject the prayer of a dead woman, and so deprive this infant of the care of the relative whom that departed lady had appointed to be its guardian, and of the guidance and directing wisdom of their holy Order.  Lastly, she reminded them that if they thrust her out, she must carry the infant to its grandfather, who, if he received it at all, would certainly bring it up in the Jewish faith, and thereby, perhaps, cause it to lose its soul, the weight of which sin would be upon their heads.

After this Nehushta was led away to another chamber and remained there a long while, till at length she was brought back again by one of the curators.  On entering the great hall her eyes sought the face of Ithiel, who had not been allowed to speak, since the matter having to do with a great-niece of his own, it was held that his judgment might be warped.  Seeing that he smiled, and evidently was well pleased, she knew her cause was won.

“Woman,” said the President, “by a great majority of this Court we have come to an irrevocable decision upon the matter that has been laid before it by our brother Ithiel.  It is, for reasons which I need not explain, that on this point our rule may be stretched so far as to admit the child Miriam to our care, even though it be of the female sex, which care is to endure until she comes to a full age of eighteen years, when she must depart from among us.  During this time no attempt will be made to turn her from her parents’ faith in which she has been baptised.  A house will be given you to live in, and you will be supplied with the best we have for the use of our ward Miriam and