'Don't laugh at her for that, the darling! I do delight in her,
after all. It warms even my old blood to see how thoroughly she
knows her business, and how she enjoys it, like a true daughter of
Eve.'

'She has been your most successful pupil, certainly, mother. You
may well be proud of her.'

The old hag chuckled to herself a while; and then suddenly turning
to Raphael-

'See here! I have a present for you;' and she pulled out a
magnificent ring.

'Why, mother, you are always giving me presents. It was but a month
ago you sent me this poisoned dagger.'

'Why not, eh?--why not? Why should not Jew give to Jew? Take the
old woman's ring!'

'What a glorious opal!'

'Ah, that is an opal, indeed! And the unspeakable name upon it; just
like Solomon's own. Take it, I say! Whosoever wears that never
need fear fire, steel, poison, or woman's eye.'

'Your own included, eh?'

'Take it, I say!'and Miriam caught his hand, and forced the ring on
his finger. 'There! Now you're safe. And now call me mother again.