But he leaned toward her.
"Henceforth, therefore," he said, "I am not a man of peace, but one burdened with rancor and vengeful intent. I go not into En-Gadi, but into the evil world to use the world's evil to work evil. I am despoiled and blighted and without hope. Is that the inheritance which thou wouldst leave to them who love thee?"
She drew away from him, half alarmed.
"I—I am not a Nazarene," she faltered.
"Do not go to them, then!" he urged eagerly. "Do not listen to their teachings; for whosoever listens must die!"
"I went yesterday for a different cause," she said finally, "but before, of interest."
"But thou art a faithful daughter of Abraham; be not led of any cause. Remember yesterday!"
"Yesterday?" she repeated quietly. "Why yesterday? Only the faith of the oppressed was different. We of Israel's faith in Alexandria know many of yesterday's like, and worse!"
"Suffer, then, the sufferings of the righteous! Be not cut off for a folly!"
She fell silent again, and smoothed the silk on her lap.