"A truce to poetry! Let us look on life as it really is. As soon as the world scents a Jew, it will tolerate him only when his perfume is sweet; the odours of the iarmulka are obnoxious."
"I will make no concessions to the prejudices of the world," said Jacob.
"Well, then, spare me the honour of receiving a visit from your mother."
Jacob grew pale and his eyes flashed.
"You have been my benefactor," said he slowly. "Do not make me forget it."
"Excuse me, there are degrees in Judaism; for example, I give myself out as a descendant of rich German Jews."
"Why do you prefer the German Jews," asked Jacob with a smile of pity. "Are they any the less Jews?"
"Perhaps not. But they rank higher, and their past is different. Will your mother live with you?"
"I hope so. I shall be very glad to have her near me."
"I see that it is useless to reason with you. I cannot convince you; but if you have thoughts of Muse, I advise you to be careful."