“And since thou hast disobeyed me in making the acquaintance of a stranger, thou wilt now explain why thou hast never mentioned to me this ‘Old Clock Man’ of whom thou dost seem to know so much! Who is he?”
“Why, he’s the ‘Old Clock Man’ who mends poor people’s clocks, plays with the children and is doing every body kindness!”
“Some Christian witchery!”
“Oh, mother, he’s an angel if ever there was one on earth!”
“Is he a Jew?” almost hissed Rizpah.
“I’ve forgotten to ask about that; but I’m certain he is, if only Jews are good, for he is a saint of God.”
Rizpah’s face wore a sneer as she again spoke: “How canst thou tell, Inexperience?”
“By acts. He goes about seeking poor people to clothe and feed, and he is their physician as well, and will take no pay.”
“Some Christian perverter, trying to seduce the unthinking by pretended service. Beware of such, Miriamne!”
“But healing the sick and setting people’s clocks right can’t do harm! I’m certain of that?”