Even the people in these days were mild and forbearing in their usages with the Jews, and she thought that the girls of the Kleinseite would not tear her clothes from her back even when they knew of her love.

One thing, however, was certain.

Though every rag should be torn from her--though some priest might have special power given him to persecute her--though the Zamenoys in their wrath should be able to crush her--even though her own father should refuse to see her, she would be true to the Jew.

Love to her should be so sacred that no other sacredness should be able to touch its sanctity.

She had thought much of love, but had never loved before.