"At last, my angel," said he, "my hour of happiness is here—at last you are mine. And I am the happiest of mortals."
"Who tells you that I am yours?" said Rachel, still retreating.
"Yourself, my houri, when you consent to receive me alone. How shall I prove to you the extent of my adoration?"
"Oh, you can easily do that," said Rachel, "by becoming a Jew for the love of me."
At the idea of his becoming a Jew, Podstadsky burst out into a fit of laughter; but Rachel affected not to hear it.
"You know that by becoming a Jew," continued she, "you would be at liberty to marry me, and inherit my father's ducats."
At mention of her father's wealth Podstadsky felt that he had laughed too soon. The thought of the banker's millions made him feel rather grave. They were worth any thing short of such a lese noblesse as apostasy.
"What to me are your father's ducats?" cried he, vehemently. "I love nothing here but his daughter, and my love is sufficient for me. I ask nothing but the priceless treasure of your heart. Come, sweet one, come!"
"Away with you!" cried Rachel, unable to endure his insolence longer.
"If I have permitted you to sully the purity of my home with your
presence, it was that I might tell you once for all how I despise you!
Now, begone, sir."
"And allow me to accompany you home," said a mocking voice behind; and as Podstadsky turned with a start to see whence it came, he met the fiery black eyes of Eskeles Flies, who approached with a tall wax-light in his hand.