"Bah! Plancus is consul still; don't be downhearted, my friend; you are still in the pleasant city of Prague."
"Pleasant? that is as it may be. I think it a very disagreeable city without money. Bohemianism is charming in novels, but in real life it is generally a hunt after what Murger calls that voracious animal, the half-crown."
"And after women!"
"Ah, bah! Lais and Phryne; both charming, but slightly improper, not to say expensive."
"Take the other side of the shield," said the Jew gently.
"Lucretia, and--and--by Jove, I can't recollect the name of any other virtuous woman."
"Who is the lady of the music?"
"My affianced wife," retorted Stewart curtly.
"Ah!" said Ezra thoughtfully, "then we have a feeling in common, I am also engaged."
Stewart laughed gaily.