See, the inscription is almost worn out." She offered him the earring, which he took, looked at, and handed back, laughing.
"If I were dying, Tirzah, I could not use the charm.

It is a relic of idolatry, forbidden every believing son and daughter of Abraham.
Take it, but do not wear it any more." "Forbidden! Not so," she said.

"Our father's mother wore it I do not know how many Sabbaths in her life.

It has cured I do not know how many people--more than three anyhow.

It is approved--look, here is the mark of the rabbis." "I have no faith in amulets." She raised her eyes to his in astonishment.
"What would Amrah say ?" "Amrah's father and mother tended sakiyeh for a garden on the Nile." "But Gamaliel!" "He says they are godless inventions of unbelievers and Shechemites." Tirzah looked at the ring doubtfully.
"What shall I do with it ?" "Wear it, my little sister.