Say, may I work my art in one of these great rooms ?" "Miriam," he answered, "of this house henceforth you are the mistress, as in time to come you will be its owner.

Believe me, child, it was not needed that so many and such different men should demand from me sureties for your comfort and your safety.

All I have is yours, whilst all you have, including your faith and your friends, of whom there seem to be many, remains your own.

Yet, should it please you to give me in return some small share of your love, I who am childless and friendless shall be grateful." "That is my desire," answered Miriam hurriedly; "only, grandsire, between you and me----" "Speak it not," he said, with a gesture almost of despair, "or rather I will speak it--between you and me runs the river of your parents' blood.
It is so, yet, Miriam, I will confess to you that I repent me of that deed.

Age makes us judge more kindly.