‘I have read something, and can take your drift. As for my faith, I believe in truth, and wish all men to do the same. By-the-bye, might I inquire the name of him who is the inmate of my house?’
‘They call me David.’
‘David, you have a ring, an emerald cut with curious characters, Hebrew, I believe.’
‘‘Tis here.’
‘A fine stone, and this inscription means——’
‘A simple legend, “Parted, but one;” the kind memorial of a brother’s love.’
‘Your brother?’
‘I never had a brother.’
‘I have a silly fancy for this ring: you hesitate. Search my palace, and choose the treasure you deem its match.’
‘Noble sir, the gem is little worth; but were it such might deck a Caliph’s brow, ‘twere a poor recompense for all thy goodness. This ring is a trust rather than a possession, and strange to say, although I cannot offer it to thee who mayst command, as thou hast saved, the life of its unhappy wearer, some stranger may cross my path to-morrow, and almost claim it as his own.’