Henri interposed. He changed the subject of the conversation, and from Poland passed to the Jews. Segel maintained that the Israelites ought to profit by the situation of things, without caring what became of Poland. Jacob held to his opinion that it was better to be with the oppressed against the oppressors. Segel, laughing heartily, replied:--
"This is romantic, poetic, heroic, magnificent; but it is not practical."
"Whatever you may think," replied Jacob, "it is our duty to convince the Christians that our morals are not inferior to theirs, that love of one's neighbour is taught in our books as in their Gospels, and that between the Mosaic law and the Christian law there is accord and not contradiction."
"Words, empty words," said Henri, "nothing but words! Material interest should be the motive of nations as well as individuals. Liberty, equality, fraternity are a triple aberration of mind! Behold their result: fields strewn with dead men and bones!"
"Yes; but the dead will rise, the bones will be reanimated as in the vision of Ezekiel."
Jacob commenced to recite the passage, then, remarking that no one listened to him, turned gayly to his wife and asked:--
"Is not Italy beautiful?"
"It never seemed so lovely before," replied Mathilde tenderly.
"And what do you think of it, madame?" asked he of the baroness.
"Bah!" replied she. "I suppose one must conform to the fashion and admire Italy. It is a picturesque country; but, all things considered, this land filled with tombs and ruins has nothing agreeable for me. Prosaic as it is, I prefer Paris."