"But it was not altogether about that, father. Anton spoke to me the other day about some deeds which should belong to you." "They do belong to me," said Trendellsohn. "But you have them not in your own keeping." "No, we have not. It is, I believe, the creed of a Christian that he may deal dishonestly with a Jew, though the Jew who shall deal dishonestly with a Christian is to be hanged. It is strange what latitude men will give themselves under the cloak of their religion! But why has Anton spoken to you of this? I did not bid him." "He sent me with a message to my aunt Sophie." "He was wrong; he was very foolish; he should have gone himself." "But, father, I have found out that the papers you want are certainly in my uncle's keeping in the Ross Markt." "Of course they are, my dear. Anton might have known that without employing you." So far Nina had performed but a small part of the task which she had before her. She found it easier to talk to the old man about the title-deeds of the house in the Kleinseite than she did to tell him of her own affairs. But the thing was to be done, though the doing of it was difficult; and, after a pause, she persevered. "And I told aunt Sophie," she said, with her eyes turned upon the ground, "of my engagement with Anton." "You did?" "Yes; and I told father." "And what did your father say?" "Father did not say much. He is poorly and weak." "Yes, yes; not strong enough to fight against the abomination of a Jew son-in-law. And what did your aunt say? She is strong enough to fight anybody." "She was very angry." "I suppose so, I suppose so. Well, she is right. As the world goes in Prague, my child, you will degrade yourself by marrying a Jew." "I want nothing prouder than to be Anton's wife," said Nina. "And to speak sooth," said the old man, "the Jew will degrade himself fully as much by marrying you." "Father, I would not have that. If I thought that my love would injure him, I would leave him." "He must judge for himself," said Trendellsohn, relenting somewhat. "He must judge for himself and for me too," said Nina. "He will be able, at any rate, to keep a house over your head." "It is not for that," said Nina, thinking of her cousin Ziska's offer. She need not want for a house and money if she were willing to sell herself for such things as them. "Anton will be rich, Nina, and you are very poor." "Can I help that, father? Such as I am, I am his. If all Prague were mine I would give it to him." The old man shook his head. "A Christian thinks that it is too much honour for a Jew to marry a Christian, though he be rich, and she have not a ducat for her dower." "Father, your words are cruel. Do you believe I would give Anton my hand if I did not love him? I do not know much of his wealth; but, father, I might be the promised wife of a Christian to-morrow, who is, perhaps, as rich as he--if that were anything." "And who is that other lover, Nina?"