"I reckon it's difficult," said the good housekeeper; "and you may depend he's found that out; but he's found it's possible too. Why what 'ud become of all the Jewish nation if it warn't possible?"
"What should become of them?" Norton asked scornfully.
"Well, there's wonderful things about the Jews in the Bible," said the housekeeper rising; "if the minister was here he'd tell you. And there was an old promise to Abraham, that if I was you I wouldn't run against."
"Run against a promise to Abraham!" said Norton.
"Well, yes," said the housekeeper, setting her chair back at the wall in its place. "I wouldn't like to run against none o' the Lord's words, and this is one of 'em. 'I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee.'"
The housekeeper went off and left Matilda and Norton looking at each other. Norton wore a vexed face.
"This is all trumpery," he said. "It will blow away like smoke."
"No it won't, Norton," said Matilda. "I hope not."
"And how long have you and David been holding secret meetings together to talk about this?"
"I don't know, Norton. But we had better go to bed, I suppose; for Miss Redwood will call us very early to have breakfast before the omnibus comes for us."