here to speak of such matters if I may not do so? You see how it is with father."  

"He is not able to do much, I suppose."  

"He is able to do nothing, and there is nothing for him to do — nothing that can be of any use. But of course he should see that those who have been good to him are not — are not injured because of their kindness."  

"You mean those Jews — the Trendellsohns."  

"Yes, those Jews the Trendellsohns! You would not rob a man because he is a Jew," said she, repeating the old words.  

"They know how to take care of themselves, Nina."  

"Very likely."  

"They have managed to get all your father's property between them."  

"I don't know how that is. Father says that the business which uncle and you have was once his, and that he made it. In these matters the weakest always goes to the wall. Father has no son to help him, as uncle Karil has — and old Trendellsohn."  

"You may help him better than any son."  

"I will help him if I can. Will you and uncle give up those papers which you have kept since father left them with uncle Karil, just that they might be safe?"  

This question Ziska would not answer at once. The matter was one on which he wished to negotiate, and he was driven to the necessity of considering what might be the best line for his diplomacy. "I am sure, Ziska," continued Nina, "you will understand why I ask this. Father is too weak to make the demand, and uncle would listen to nothing that Anton Trendellsohn would say to him."  

"They say that you have betrothed yourself to this Jew, Nina."  

"It is true. But that has nothing to do with it."  

"He is very anxious to have the deeds?"  

"Of course he is anxious. Father is old and poorly; and what would he do if father were to die?"  

"Nina, he shall have them — if he will give you up."  

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