The Jew was by nature suspicious, though he was also generous.

He could be noble in his confidence, and at the same time could become at a moment distrustful.

He could give without grudging, and yet grudge the benefits which came of his giving.

Neither he nor his father had ever positively known in whose custody were the title-deeds which he was so anxious to get into his own hands.

Balatka had said that they must be with the Zamenoys, but even Balatka had never spoken as of absolute knowledge.