Suddenly Mann addressed himself to Jacob in Polish, and said:--
"Although you are an orthodox Jew, you have infringed one of the most important laws of your religion."
"Oh, let us drop Judaism," said the master of the house, in French. "Avoid this subject before the servants."
"But what sin have I committed?" asked Jacob.
"A sin so great that you do not deserve to be called a man in the sight of the Lord."
"What is it, then?"
"How old are you?" said Mann.
"Twenty and over."
"Very well. Since the age of eighteen years you have been in sin, for you have not married, and that is the first duty of every Israelite. If you do not hasten to do so, Dumah will catch you one of these days, and throw you into the depths of hell!"
"I do not deny that youthful marriage is a duty," replied Jacob, "but I believe that our law tolerates some exceptions. As for myself, I have not the least wish to marry."