The sun of noon
The Maccabee hesitated restlessly , forgot his mission to the synagogue and then , with no definite purpose , followed . At the edge of town , where the huddle of huts left off and the gravel and rock and cedar began , he saw the priest dismiss the pair with his blessing and turn back . Undecided , restless and regretful , the Maccabee lingered , looking after her as she went into the hills , unattended , except for an anomalous old man . The sun of noon shone on her silver dress that the dust of the wayside had not tarnished . He was gloomy and wistful without understanding his discomfort , and afraid for the beautiful unknown going out for seven days into the unfriendly wilderness . There was the click of a horse 's hoof beside him . He glanced up with a nervous start to see Julian of Ephesus , scowling , at hand .