"How happy should I be to be your pupil! but I fear I am not capable of understanding such science, such wisdom. At times it seems as if I can foresee the future, but, really, I am very ignorant. Write out your thoughts and I will read them. I will learn them by heart, and I will spread them among those of my own sex who are deprived of the consolation of faith in God. Unfortunately, if you are a Barak, I am not a Deborah."
Jacob was about to reply when the door opened, giving entrance to Mathilde's father and husband, accompanied by Mann and Simon.
Henri had informed them of Jacob's arrival, and they were all invited to dinner. The acceptance on the part of an important person, like Mann, was extraordinary, for he usually made some excuse, and declined all ordinary invitations.
Jacob's former guardian ran to him with open arms, and cried:--
"Welcome! I embrace you, and wish you much happiness, Rabbi Jacob."
Mann cried at the same time:--
"I am rejoiced to hold your hand after so long an absence."
"How do you return to us, Akiba or atheist?" asked the jovial Simon.
"Neither one nor the other. I am the same as ever, only a little more alarmed as to the future."
"Then it was not worth while to leave Poland," replied Simon, "and you arrived just in time to assist in a revolution."