Now, as it chances--I tell you who do not break secrets--my father was a Marano.

His name does not matter--it is best forgotten; but he fled from Spain to England for reasons of his own, and took that of the country whence he came--Castile, or Castell.

Also, as it is not lawful for Jews to live in England, he became converted to the Christian faith--seek not to know his motives, they are buried with him.

Moreover, he converted me, his only child, who was but ten years old, and cared little whether I swore by 'Father Abraham' or by the 'Blessed Mary.' The paper of my baptism lies in my strong box still.

Well, he was clever, and built up this business, and died unharmed five-and-twenty years ago, leaving me already rich.