'Why, what harm have they done you?' he asked.
'They are so stupid,' she said, with a gesture of distaste.
'That is a new charge against the Jews.'
'Look at the way they have denounced this Armitage, saying his book is vulgar and wretched and written for gain, and all because it does not flatter them.'
'Can you wonder at it? To say "you're another" may not be criticism, but it is human nature.'
Esther smiled sadly.
'I cannot make you out at all,' she said.
'Why? What is there strange about me?'
'You say such shrewd, humorous things sometimes—I wonder how you can remain orthodox.'
'Now I can't understand you,' he said, puzzled.