Not all the healing medicines of Mercury, not wine from the flasks of the gods, could have given Nina life and strength as did those words from her rival's lips. All her memory of his offences against her had again gone in her thought of her own sin. Would he forgive her and still love her? Yes; she was a weak woman--very weak; but she had that one strength which is sufficient to atone for all feminine weakness-- she could really love; or rather, having loved, she could not cease to love. Anger had no effect on her love, or was as water thrown on blazing coal, which makes it burn more fiercely. Ill usage could not crush her love. Reason, either from herself or others, was unavailing against it. Religion had no power over it. Her love had become her religion to Nina. It took the place of all things both in heaven and earth. Mild as she was by nature, it made her a tigress to those who opposed it. It was all the world to her. She had tried to die, because her love had been wounded; and now she was ready to live again because she was told that her lover--the lover who had used her so cruelly-- still loved her. She pressed Rebecca's arm close into her side. "I shall be better soon," she said. Rebecca did not doubt that Nina would soon be better, but of her own improvement she was by no means so certain. They walked on through the narrow crooked streets into the Jews' quarter, and soon stood at the door of Rebecca's house. The latch was loose, and they entered, and they found a lamp ready for them on the stairs. "Had you not better come to my bed for to-night?" said Rebecca. "Only that I should be in your way, I should be so glad." "You shall not be in my way. Come, then. But first you must eat and drink." Though Nina declared that she could not eat a morsel, and wanted no drink but water, Rebecca tended upon her, bringing the food and wine that were in truth so much needed. "And now, dear, I will help you to bed. You are yet cold, and there you will be warm." "But when shall I see him?" "Nay, how can I tell? But, Nina, I will not keep him from you. He shall come to you here when he chooses--if you choose it also." "I do choose it--I do choose it," said Nina, sobbing in her weakness-- conscious of her weakness. While Rebecca was yet assisting Nina--the Jewess kneeling as the Christian sat on the bedside--there came a low rap at the door, and Rebecca was summoned away. "I shall be but a moment," she said, and she ran down to the front door. "Is she here?" said Anton, hoarsely. "Yes, she is here." "The Lord be thanked! And can I not see her?" "You cannot see her now, Anton. She is very weary, and all but in bed." "To-morrow I may come?" "Yes, to-morrow." "And, tell me, how did you find her? Where did you find her?" "To-morrow Anton, you shall be told--whatever there is to tell. For to-night, is it not enough for you to know that she is with me? She will share my bed, and I will be as a sister to her."