"Next, as a Jew."
"Yes, next as a Jew," said Aaron, again repeating the lawyer's words.
He was agitated by conflicting emotions, which no man but he could have understood--and which, indeed, in the light of the revelation which had been made, he himself could scarcely grasp, so strongly did it affect the secret of his life. But that secret still was his, and he had still to play his part.
"You are commissioned to take my answer to Lord Storndale?"
"He is anxiously awaiting it."
"I may trust you to convey that answer as nearly as possible in my own words?"
"It shall be my endeavour."
"You will tell him, then, that the mission with which he has entrusted you comes upon me as a surprise. As I have already informed you, I have never, until this day, heard his name or the name of his son. As to the character you give the young gentleman, it may or may not be correct, for you speak of him as an advocate on the other side----"
"But surely," interrupted the lawyer, "that would not affect the religious aspect of the question."
"No, it would not affect it. But whether correct or not, it seems clear that the young gentleman has not acted as a man of honour, although he is Lord Storndale's son. A young girl's trustfulness and innocence should be her safeguard; but here they have been basely used, according to your own statement, by a man whose external accomplishments have unhappily attracted her."