"Hardly. I wear them because I have them and like them. I see no harm in
wearing what is becoming."

"But don't you think they look aggressive on the street? They attract
attention; and one hates to be conspicuous. I think they are only in place
at a gathering of friends of one's own social standing, where they do not
proclaim one's moneyed value."

"Perhaps," replied Mrs. Lewis, her rosy face a little rosier than before.
"I suppose you mean to say it is vulgar; well, maybe so. But I scarcely
think a little outward show of riches should make others feel they are
better because they do not care to make a display. Besides, to be less
personal, I don't think any Christian would care to put himself out to meet
a Jew of any description."

"Don't you think it would depend a great deal both on Jew and Christian? I
always have been led to believe that every broad-minded man of whatever
sect will recognize and honor the same quality in any other man. And why
should I not move on an equality with my Christian friends? We have had
the same schooling, speak the same language, read the same books, are
surrounded by the same elements of home refinement. Probably if they had
not been congenial, my father would long ago have ceased to associate with
them. I think the secret of it all is in the fact that it never occurred
to us that the most fastidious could think we were anything but the most
fastidious; and so we always met any one we desired to meet on a level
footing. I have a great many pleasant friends in the court of your
Philistines."

"Possibly. But not having been brought up by your father, I think