ght?"

"Yes; we are going to a reception at the Merrills'."

"Merrill? Christians?" was the sharp reply.

"The name speaks for itself."

"What does possess your parents to mix so much with Christians?"

"Fellow-feeling, I suppose. We all dance and talk alike; and as we do
not hold services at receptions, wherein lies the difference?"

"There is a difference; and the Christians know it as well as we Jewish
people. Not only do they know it, but they show it in countless ways;
and the difference, they think, is all to their credit. For my part, I
always feel as if they looked down on us, and I should like to prove to
them how we differ on that point. I have enough courage to let them know
I consider myself as good as the best of them."

"Is that why you wear diamonds and silk on the street, Jennie?" asked
Ruth, her serious tones implying no impudence, but carrying a refined
reproach.

"Hardly. I wear them because I have them and like them. I see no harm in
wearing what is becoming."

"But don't you think they look aggressive on the street? They attract
attention; and one hates to be conspicuous. I think they are only in
place at a gathering of friends of one's own social standing, where they
do not proclaim one's moneyed value."

"Perhaps," replied Mrs. Lewis, her rosy face a little rosier than
before. "I suppose you mean to say it is vulgar; well, maybe so. But I
scarcely think a little outward show of riches should make others feel
they are better because they do not care to make a display. Besides, to
be less personal, I don't think any Christian would care to put himself
out to meet a Jew of any description."

"Don't you think it would depend a great deal both on Jew and Christian?
I always have been led to believe that every broad-minded man of
whatever sect will recognize and honor the same quality in any other
man. And why should I not move on an equality with my Christian friends?
We have had the same schooling, speak the same language, read the same
books, are surrounded by the same elements of home refinement. Probably
if they had not been congenial, my father would long ago have ceased to
associate with them. I think the secret of it all is in the fact that
it never occurred to us that the most fastidious could think we were
anything but the most fastidious; and so we always met any one we
desired to meet on a level footing. I have a great many pleasant friends
in the court of your Philistines."