"Yes, that was the party vot done it."
"Showing her affection for her future father-in-law rather early in the day?" ventured Jim.
"Father-in-law?--not me! She'll never marry that velp Isaac. She's about finished vith 'im!"
"That's good news," said Jim. "Who's the new young man?"
"Vy," said the provision dealer, "I'm thinkin' she'll be after you next, doctor!"
"Me!" said Jim, looking so amazed that the old Jew was seized with a most unpleasant spasm of mirth.
"Yes, ever since you chucked Isaac out that night," he explained, "she's referred to you in an admirin' vay vich turns Isaac simply yeller. Yes, I told you she'd marry a gentleman, and you're 'er choice, my dear sir!"
And again the old man's throat gave out a croaking wheeze which, by a lurid effort of the imagination, might be described as laughter.
"So you will understand," added Mr Harris, "that Isaac don't love yer. In fact, I believe 'e set those 'Ooligans on yer in Pine Court."
"You think that?" inquired Jim, sharply.