I like it. I don't know why, but I like it. And--Raphael Aben-
Ezra--don't laugh at me, and call me witch and hag, as you often do.
I don't care about it from any one else; I'm accustomed to it. But
when you do it, I always long to stab you. That's why I gave you
the dagger. I used to wear it; and I was afraid I might be tempted
to use it some day, when the thought came across me how handsome
you'd look, and how quiet, when you were dead, and your soul up
there so happy in Abraham's bosom, watching all the Gentiles frying
and roasting for ever down below. Don't laugh at me, I say; and
don't thwart me! I may make you the emperor's prime minister some
day. I can if I choose.'

'Heaven forbid!' said Raphael, laughing.

'Don't laugh. I cast your nativity last night, and I know you have
no cause to laugh. A great danger hangs over you, and a deep
temptation. And if you weather this storm, you may be chamberlain,
prime minister, emperor, if you will. And you shall be--by the four
archangels, you shall!'

And the old woman vanished down a by-lane, leaving Raphael utterly
bewildered.

'Moses and the prophets! Does the old lady intend to marry me?
What can there be in this very lazy and selfish personage who bears
my name, to excite so romantic an affection? Well, Raphael Aben-
Ezra, thou hast one more friend in the world beside Bran the
mastiff; and therefore one more trouble--seeing that friends always
expect a due return of affection and good offices and what not. I
wonder whether the old lady has been getting into a scrape