Then he led the way into the old house, and there at the front door still stood the two girls talking to each other.
"You have come back, uncle," said Ruth.
"Yes; for a few moments, to speak to this gentleman."
"And will you return to the synagogue?"
"Of course I shall return to the synagogue."
"Because Rebecca wishes me to go out with her," said the younger girl, in a plaintive voice.
"You cannot go out now. Your grandfather will want you when he returns."
"But, uncle Anton, he will not come till sunset."
"My mother wished to have Ruth with her this afternoon if it were possible," said Rebecca, hardly looking at Anton as she spoke to him; "but of course if you will not give her leave I must return without her."
"Do you not know, Rebecca," said Anton, "that she is needful to her grandfather?"