"Because we are not ready for the rôle you lay out for us. We have not deserved, by our conduct, to be the arbiters of this country. And to tell the whole truth, our community is more corrupt than the nobles; it is already worm-eaten."
"Not so bad as they, though."
"Our malady is different from theirs, but it is as dangerous."
"Oh, no! Because we know how to acquire and preserve this wealth, while the nobles do not know anything of business, nor how to manage their vast estates economically. The strength of money, the strength of capital, is the only real power in this century."
"An opportunity, as you have remarked," said Jacob, "is presented to the Jews of Poland to play an important rôle; as important as the one they already hold in Germany. Will they understand their advantageous position? Will they be worthy of it? Two questions to which God alone can reply."
Segel burst out laughing.
"You are a pious Jew," cried he. "In everything you mix the idea of God. These old superstitions are completely worn out."
"And that is precisely what afflicts me. We have torn our belief to tatters, but under them is gold."
"What use of speaking of the débris of a past which will never return? There is my house; it cost more than a half million. I will do the honours, and we will go afterward to find Mathilde."
He looked at his watch.