and Ezras in the world; and really it is a comfort to think that all Jews
are not like those shopkeepers who will not let you get out of their shops; and
besides, what he said to you about his mother and sister makes me bless him. I
am sure he's good. But I never did like anything fanatical. I suppose I heard a
little too much preaching in my youth, and lost my palate for it.«
    »I don't think you will find that Mordecai obtrudes any preaching,« said
Deronda. »He is not what I should call fanatical. I call a man fanatical when
his enthusiasm is narrow and hoodwinked, so that he has no sense of proportions,
and becomes unjust and unsympathetic to men who are out of his own track.
Mordecai is an enthusiast: I should like to keep that word for the highest order
of minds - those who care supremely for grand and general benefits to mankind.
He is not a strictly orthodox Jew, and is full of allowances for others; his
conformity in many things is an allowance for the condition of other Jews. The
people he lives with are as fond of him as possible, and they can't in the least
understand his ideas.«
    »Oh, well, I can live up to the level of the pawnbroker's mother, and like
him for what I see to be good in him; and for what I don't see the merits of I
will take your word. According to your definition, I suppose one might be
fanatical in worshipping common-sense; for my husband used to say the world
would be a poor place if there were nothing but common-sense in it. However,
Mirah's brother will have good bedding - that I have taken care of; and I shall
have this extra window pasted up with paper to prevent draughts.« (The
conversation was taking place in the destined lodging.) »It is a comfort to
think that the people of the house are no strangers to me - no hypocritical
harpies. And when the children know, we shall be able to make the rooms much
prettier.«
    »The next stage of the affair is to tell all to Mordecai, and get him to
move - which may be a more difficult business,« said Deronda.
    »And will you tell Mirah before I say anything to the children?« said Mrs.
Meyrick. But Deronda hesitated, and she went on in a tone of persuasive
deliberation - »No, I think not. Let me tell Hans and the girls