Nina had discovered, much to her surprise. His hair was grizzled, rather than grey, and the beard on his thin, wiry, wizened face was always close shorn. He was scrupulously clean in his person, and seemed, even at his age, to take a pride in the purity and fineness of his linen. He was much older than Nina's father — more than ten years older, as he would sometimes boast; but he was still strong and active, while Nina's father was worn out with age. Old Trendellsohn was eighty, and yet he would be seen trudging about through the streets of Prague, intent upon his business of money-making; and it was said that his son Anton was not even as yet actually in partnership with him, or fully trusted by him in all his plans.  

"Father," Nina said, "I am glad that Anton is out, as now I can speak a word to you."  

"My dear, you shall speak fifty words."  

"That is very good of you. Of course I know that the house we live in does in truth belong to you and Anton."  

"Yes, it belongs to me," said the Jew.  

"And we can pay no rent for it."  

"Is it of that you have come to speak, Nina? If so, do not trouble yourself. For certain reasons, which Anton can explain, I am willing that your father should live there without rent."  

Nina blushed as she found herself compelled to thank the Jew for his charity. "I know how kind you have been to father," she said.  

"Nay, my daughter, there has been no great kindness in it. Your father has been unfortunate, and, Jew as I am, I would not turn him into the street. Do not trouble yourself to think of it."  

"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."  

 Prev. P 44/173 next