"We must all serve our apprenticeship," answered Lazarus quietly. "The longest lane has a turning."
"No doubt; but my particular lane seems devilish long."
Ezra laughed, and they walked down Collins Street, watching the crowd of people hurrying along to business, the cabs darting here and there, and the cable tramcars sliding smoothly along. Pausing a moment near the Scotch Church, they heard a street organ playing a bright melody.
"What tune is that?" asked Keith, as they resumed their walk. "Sounds awfully pretty."
"Song from 'Prince Carnival,'" replied Ezra, referring to an opera then running at the Bon-Bon Theatre. "Caprice sings it."
"Oh, Caprice. I'd like to see that opera," said Keith. "You might take me to the theatre to-night to see it."
"Very well," assented Ezra. "You will like Caprice--she is very charming."
"And if rumour speaks truly, very wicked."
"Added to which, she is the best-hearted woman in the world," finished the Jew dryly.
"What a contradiction," laughed Stewart.