“Jesus, it is universally conceded, has done many things far beyond mere human power: he claims for them a divine origin: they are worthy of such an origin in the grandeur and beneficence of their character: such an origin agrees with certain ancient predictions apparently relating to these times: unless they have such an origin, neither had the miracles of Moses and the other prophets; and indeed it seems impossible for God to furnish reliable credentials to any messenger; for, so far as we can see, his credentials must be miracles and could not well be greater miracles than Jesus has wrought: unless they have a divine origin they are demoniacal—which is wholly inconsistent with the apparent (say certain) character of Jesus and also with his teachings, which are such as no evil spirit could reasonably be supposed willing to promote.... Is this satisfactory?”—turning to Rachel.
“I think you could do better; but that will do—will do very well for the present,” she returned smiling; “especially as you have gratuitously supplied some missing links to the chain. Go on, O illustrious house of Seti and heir of all the Pharaohs, I have great hopes of you yet.”
“You see, gentlemen,” said Seti, “what comes of teaching our daughters to know and argue like other people. As soon as we furnish them with arms they turn them against us. And this they call gratitude!”
“But,” he added gravely, seeing Cimon rising to take leave, “if your affairs now call you away I wish to make an inquiry of you—if you will step this way.”
Cimon followed him to a distant part of the room.
After a little hesitation, Aleph said to Rachel, “Your grandfather has surprised me very much in this conversation. From the position he holds I should have thought such views on his part impossible.”
“There is a mystery about the matter, I confess,” replied the maiden; “but then this is not the only righteous mystery in Alexandria to-day”—and her eyes laughed into his in a very wonderful way.
“Let us hope,” said he with an answering gleam from eyes quite as wonderful though mysteriously different, “that they both will clear up satisfactorily in due time, as the mystery of Jesus seems to be doing. I am grateful to you for what I have heard to-day. But I would be glad to speak with Miriam myself. Do you think she will be strong enough to bear another talk to-day?”
“Perhaps so. I return to her as soon as my sedan comes; and if you will accompany me we will see what she is equal to. If you do not object, I wish to be present when you question her.”
“That would be delightful to me (and a new light sprang to his eyes as he said it)—especially since I have come to know that you have mind as well as beauty, and can inquire and reason with the best.”