"Still you have not explained why you apply to me.
"The explanation is simple. It has somehow come to Mrs. Gordon's knowledge that, after enlisting the services of Dr. Spenlove, her husband employed another agent, who was commissioned to find a home for her child, and that this agent was of the Jewish persuasion. The natural conclusion is that this agent was a resident of Portsmouth, who may or may not have been bound to secrecy in the same manner as Dr. Spenlove. You have friends of your own persuasion everywhere and are probably acquainted with many Portsmouth Jews, through whom this poor lady may gain intelligence of the fate of her child. If you assist me you will earn a mother's gratitude."
"I will consider it," said Aaron, and his voice was troubled; "that is all I can promise at present."
Mr. Dillworthy gave him a kind look and said: "It is not an opportune time to seek your aid in a cause in which you are not personally interested, when another subject, the welfare of a dear daughter, must naturally engross your attention. Pray forgive me, Mr. Cohen."
Aaron bent his head, and as the lawyer closed the door behind him sank into his chair with a heavy sigh.
[CHAPTER XXXII.]
BEFORE ALL, DUTY.
On this evening many pressing matters claimed his attention, and before Mr. Dillworthy's visit he had intended to devote himself entirely to them.
He took an active part in the dispensing of several Jewish charities, and his personal attendance was necessary to a wise distribution of their funds. Some of these charities were modest in the limited extent of their aims, but they needed care and attention, and his presence was always anxiously looked for by both the administrators and recipients.
Meetings of two of the charities were to be held this evening, and
he had promised to preside at both. He must not disappoint them. Before all, duty. That was the thought that came to him--before all, duty, and it was only the iteration of it that brought a true sense
of its significance to his mind. Before all, duty, in these public matters--but did it not also apply to private life? And if so, what part in the strict adherence to the axiom did love occupy?