"In your view antagonistic," observed the gentleman.
"I see. Meaning that my view is not necessarily the right view."
The gentleman nodded courteously. He was not a collector for the society, nor a paid officer, but a gentleman of means who, in a smaller way than Aaron, was also noted for his benevolence.
"I cannot but consider the matter seriously," said Aaron thoughtfully, "for there can be no doubt of your sincerity. Still it occurs to me that if we were both equally sincere in our advocacy of objects of a similar nature it would be as well that we should pause and ask ourselves this question: Instead of endeavoring to convert Jews or Christians to a faith in which they were not born, would it not be better to employ ourselves in making those who call themselves Christians true Christians, and those who call themselves Jews true Jews?"
"There is force in your argument," said the gentleman, "but it is no answer to my appeal for a contribution to the objects of my society."
"Can you furnish me with particulars," Aaron then said, "of the working of the society?"
"I have brought the papers with me, anticipating your request."
Aaron looked over the printed books and papers handed to him, and made certain calculations upon paper.
"I perceive," he said, "that you take credit to yourselves for making a certain number of conversions during the past five years, and that you have spent a great deal of money in these conversions. The number of conversions is very small, the amount of money expended very large. I have worked out the sum, and I see that each conversion has cost you nearly eleven thousand pounds. You find these wavering Jews very expensive?"
"Very expensive," assented the gentleman, with a half-humorous sigh.