'Yes; they are a devoted couple, and I suspect Miriam is a little jealous; but she seems to enjoy herself, any way. I don't think there is a piece at the theatres she can't tell you about, and she makes Daniel take her to all the dances going.'
'Is she still as pretty?' asked Esther. 'I know all her girls used to rave over her and throw her in the faces of girls with ugly teachers. She certainly knew how to dress.'
'She dresses better than ever,' said Hannah evasively.
'That sounds ominous,' observed Esther laughingly.
'Oh, she's good-looking enough! Her nose seems to have turned up more; but perhaps that's an optical illusion; she talks so sarcastically nowadays that I seem to see it.' Hannah smiled a little. 'She doesn't think much of Jewish young men. By the way, are you engaged yet, Esther?'
'What an idea!' murmured Esther, blushing beneath her spotted veil.
'Well, you're very young,' said Hannah, glancing down at the smaller figure with a sweet matronly smile.
'I shall never marry,' Esther said in low tones.
'Don't be ridiculous, Esther! There's no happiness for a woman without it. You needn't talk like Miriam Hyams—at least, not yet. Oh yes, I know what you're thinking——'
'No, I'm not,' faintly protested Esther.