At the sight of Ruth beautiful and living naught mattered to Rachel but revenge, and she crossed the street as if with the intention of striking her with a dagger, but as she approached Jesus the flame of fury died out of her face, and like one overwhelmed with a great love she cast herself at his feet, and could not be removed.  Why do you turn the woman from me? he asked.  Whatever her sins may have been they are forgiven, for she loves me.  But she loved the other man five seconds before, Dan submitted, and Joseph replying to him said:  she only knew that passion of the flesh which we share with the beasts of the fields, the fowls of the air and the fish in the sea.  But now she loves Jesus as we love him—­with the spirit.  And next day she brought all her wealth to him; the golden comb she was wont to wear in her hair she would place in his; and the silks and linen in which she was wont to clothe herself she laid at his service; but he told her to sell all these things and give the money to the poor.  Give to the poor!  That is what I hear always, cried Dan; but if we gave all to the poor we would be as poor as the very poorest; and where, then, would the money come from with which we now help the poor?

Give to the poor that thou mayest become worthy of a place in the world to come.  This world is but a shadow—­an illusion, Joseph answered defiantly.  Thou hast that answer for everything, Joseph; and another day when I’m stronger I’ll argue that out with thee.  I have tired thee, Father; but if I’ve told you many stories it was because——­ Because, Dan retorted, thou wouldst have Jesus cast his spells over me.  But I’ve no use for them; thou art enough.

And while Joseph debated how he might convince his father that the girl was really dead, Dan asked for news of Rachel, and Joseph answered that she was with them every day, that their company had been increased by several devoted women.  Thou hast talked enough, Father, and more than enough; if Ecanus were to return he would accuse me of planning to talk you to death.

CHAP.  XV.

Like every other old Jew, Dan liked the marvellous, and listened to his son’s stories, not knowing whether he believed or disbelieved, nor seeking to inquire; content to enjoy the stories as they went by, he listened, suffering such a little disappointment when his son’s voice ceased as he might at the death of a melodious wind among the branches, the same little sadness.  Moreover, while Joseph talked he had his attention, and it irritated him to see Joseph’s thoughts wander from him in search of parrots and monkeys; and he begged his son to tell him another miracle, for he was sure that Joseph had not told him the last one.  Joseph pleaded that there was no use relating miracles to one who only believed in ancient miracles, a statement that Dan combated, saying that one could like a story for its own sake.  Like a Gentile, Joseph interposed gaily,