ill-concealed emotion, "Yes, my daughter is always obedient and
kind, yet a shade too sober for one so young; but her mother was
always thoughtful, dear woman, and I suppose it's the child's
inheritance." Mr. Mordecai sighed. And Rebecca, discerning the drift
of his thought, recurred quickly to the subject, saying:

"Well, my husband, what arrangement can you make for Leah's going?
Of course you cannot accompany her."

"That's easily done," he replied. "Every week there are persons
going direct to Europe from this very city; and, by the way, my
friend Solomon Stettheimer expects to go soon to Wirtemberg, to look
after an estate of a deceased relative, and I could safely intrust
Leah to his care. I shall write at once to my cousin, the baron, and
have her placed under his care."

"That's a wise plan, my husband, and will give Leah great joy. Make
it known to her as though it was only a pleasant surprise you were
offering her, not mentioning the fact that I acquainted you with her
wishes."

"So I will, kind little heart, good little woman that you are,"
replied Mr. Mordecai affectionately, as he stroked Rebecca on the
arm.

Leah heard no more. Shocked and terrified at this treacherous
plotting, she stole softly from the balcony, passed through the side
garden, entered the house by the rear door, and hastened away to her
own chamber up stairs.