Rebekah was already giving instructions to the women to prepare food and ready the large extra tent for an honored guest and his six men when Laban came running to her, out of breath.

“You have to come,” he said.

“Already?”

“He won’t eat, he says, or even drink more than the water you served him at the well, until he states his errand.”

“He’s a driven man,” said Rebekah.

“Well, he needs you there.”

“I’m never there when Father talks with suitors,” she said.

“Then you refuse to come?” asked Laban, amused.

“Of course I’m coming,” she said. She took a moment to give the last few instructions to the women about how things should be arranged for the meal, and then hurried with Laban to Father’s tent.

“Well?” asked Rebekah. “What do you think?”

“He’s a servant who is used to commanding like a great lord,” said Laban.

“He didn’t seem bossy to me,” said Rebekah.

“Great lords aren’t bossy. They just say what they want and expect it to happen. They just say, ‘I think it might be nice if Rebekah were here,’ and off goes the son of the house to obey the guest.”

“So why did you go?”

“Because Mother agreed with him and sent me to fetch you.”

“So she’s writing for Father.”

“And sizing up the fellow with her own eyes.”

“His animals were taken care of?”

“Trust me a little, Rebekah. The animals have been unloaded and they’re eating their fill. We also brought up the water you dipped, so he and his men could wash their feet from their travels. Anything else you want to check on?”

“I just asked.”

“You were checking,” said Laban. “You always check on everybody else. But who checks up on you?”

“No one ever has to,” said Rebekah.

Laban laughed. “Well, I suppose that’s true. Since you check everything three times, how could you possibly leave anything undone?”

“But I always worry that I might have,” said Rebekah.

They were at Father’s tent now. Laban led the way inside. The front door stood open for light, as did the two side doors that were usually kept closed. To Rebekah’s surprise, everyone was standing.

“Are we awaiting someone else?” asked Rebekah.

“He won’t sit,” said Mother dryly, “until he has delivered his message.”

That was pointless, Rebekah thought, and she turned to Abraham’s steward. “Sir, this is a courteous house. No one can sit until you are seated. You would do us all a great kindness if you sat down. Your message can be spoken seated as easily as standing, I think.”