"Leah and the law forbid!--If the comely queen of Sheba herself were to tempt me, and a frail nature showed signs of weakness, I doubt that our rabbis would find reasons for teaching self-denial! Besides, the daughter of Levi is no favorer of polygamy, nor any other of our sex's privileges. I spoke in pluralities, Signore, because the Rialto has some stake in this marriage as well as the house of Gradenigo." "I understand thee. Thou hast fears for thy gold?" "Had I been easily alarmed, Signor Giacomo, in that particular, I might not have parted with it so readily. But, though the succession of thy illustrious father will be ample to meet any loan within my humble means, that of the late Signor Tiepolo will not weaken the security." "I admit thy sagacity, and feel the importance of thy warning. But it seems to have no other object or warranty than thy own fears." "With certain obscure hints from your honored father, Signore?" "Did he say more to the point?" "He spoke in parables, young noble, but having an oriental ear his words were not uttered to the wind. That the rich damsel is about to be conveyed from Venice am I certain, and for the benefit of the little stake I have myself in her movements, I would give the best turquoise in my shop to know whither." "Canst thou say with certainty, 'twill be this night?" "Giving no pledge for redemption in the event of mistake, I am so sure, young cavalier, as to have many unquiet thoughts." "Enough--I will look to my own interests and to thine." Jacopo waved his hand in adieu, and pursued his walk up the piazza. "Had I looked more sharply to the latter, as became one accustomed to deal with the accursed race," muttered the Hebrew, "it would be a matter of no concern to me if the girl married a Turk!" "Hosea," said a mask at his ear; "a word with thee in secret." The jeweller started, and found that in his zeal he had suffered one to approach within sound of his voice unseen. The other was in a domino also, and so well enveloped as to be effectually concealed. "What would'st thou, Signor Mask?" demanded the wary Jew. "A word in friendship and in confidence.--Thou hast moneys to lend at usury?" "The question had better be put to the Republic's treasury! I have many stones valued much below their weight, and would be glad to put them with some one more lucky than myself who will be able to keep them." "Nay, this will not suffice--thou art known to be abounding in sequins; one of thy race and riches will never refuse a sure loan with securities as certain as the laws of Venice. A thousand ducats in thy willing hand is no novelty"