that overspread it. As gently as it came, the curtain floated back,
and Lizzie detected the traces of Leah's sudden emotion. Without
waiting for further inquiry, Leah continued:

"I determined I would tell you all, Lizzie, before we parted, and
ask your advice. Yes, I think I do love Emile--love him, because he
says he loves me. Last night he urged me again to become his wife. I
trembled like a frightened bird; I felt that I was listening to
dangerous words, yet I had not courage to break away from him."

"Did he say anything else--I mean about your being a Jewess?"

"Oh, yes; much. He said he cared nothing about that difference, if I
did not; but I told him I did. I assured him that I had been reared
a Hebrew of the straightest sect, and that my father would never
consent to my marrying a Christian. At my remarks he laughed, and
replied that he would take care of the opposition, if I would only
marry him. He urged and pleaded with me to promise him, but I
steadfastly refused. He is very fascinating though, and I think a
dangerous man to come in the way of a poor, irresolute, unhappy girl
like myself."

"Did he say much about the difference in religion, Leah?"

"He said something, not a great deal; said he was not religious
himself; that one faith was about as useful to him as another, as he
did not know positively which was the true one. He said he would as
soon marry a Jewess as a Christian, so he loved her, and the
religion might take care of itself."