it, to be strictly truthful. And I guess that orthodox people would
roll their pious eyes, and declare that I had better be in bed at
this hour, instead of writing in my journal. But it makes no
difference. I do not know whether it's the seventh or the first day
that I should observe as a day of rest. One suits me as well as the
other. So here goes for my journal.

"November 29, Saturday night. Yes, I'll write Saturday night, for
the looks of the thing. Just returned from Bertha Levy's
tea-party--went with my sister. Would not have gone but for the hope
of meeting Leah Mordecai. In the main, I hate Jews, but I must admit
here, Journal, that Mrs. Levy is as elegant a woman as I have ever
met; and Bertha, too, is a cunning creature, not beautiful and not
my fancy exactly, but withal a taking girl.

"But of all the beautiful women that I have seen in years, Jewish or
Christian, there's not one can compare with Leah Mordecai--such hair
and such eyes are seldom given to woman. Helen says that her hair
measures four feet in length! What a queenly poise to that elegant
head!

"But I swear there's a sadness about her face that I do not
comprehend. She certainly knows nothing of sorrow. It does not arise
from want; for she, of all maidens in this Queen City, is farthest
from that. Old Ben Mordecai has untold wealth, and there comes in
the 'marrow of the nut.' Of course, he is as stingy as a Jew can be;
but not with his daughter. Who has more elegant silks, velvets, and
diamonds than she? Rich! rich! Ha! what a glorious thing to be said
of one; but aside from old Mordecai's money, Leah is a superb woman;
one need never be ashamed of such a wife. I should not be.