You are very intelligent, and you are very honest, and you always say what is in your heart; I have heard you do it many times.

Now say it to me." There was no mistaking the tailor's earnestness.

It evidently was not mere curiosity which prompted him.

It was something else.

Jack wondered vaguely if the Jew wanted to turn money-lender at a big percentage.
"Why do you want to know ?" he asked; more to gain time to fathom his purpose than with any intention of giving him the facts.
Isaac went to his desk, opened with great deliberation an ebony box, took out two cigars, offered one to Jack, leaned over the lamp until his own was alight, and took the chair opposite Jack's.