"And now, what is it you have to tell me?" said the Jew.
After some fashion Souchey told his tale, and the Jew listened to him
without a word of interruption. More than once Souchey had paused,
hoping that the Jew would say something; but not a sound had fallen
from Trendellsohn till Souchey's tale was done.
"And it is so--is it?" said the Jew when Souchey ceased to speak. There
was nothing in his voice which seemed to indicate either sorrow or joy,
or even surprise.
"Yes, it is so," said Souchey.
"And how much am I to pay you for the information?" the Jew asked.
"You are to pay me nothing," said Souchey.
"What! you betray your mistress gratis?"
"I do not betray her," said Souchey. I love her and the old man too. I
have been with them through fair weather and through foul. I have not
betrayed her."
"Then why have you come to me with this story?"
The whole truth was almost on Souchey's tongue. He had almost said that
his sole object was to save his mistress from the disgrace of marrying
a Jew. But he checked himself, then paused a moment, and then left the
room and the house abruptly.
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