"When you decided to pay me a visit had you any hope of converting me?"
"Your conversion would give our society an immense impetus, but I had no hope of it. But there are men whose views are not so firmly fixed as your own, and I thought you would not object to assist them in the praiseworthy task of examining their consciences."
"Through a lens made of gold. In other words, giving them mercenary assistance to a spiritual conclusion."
"It is an original way of putting it," said the gentleman, greatly interested in the turn the conversation was taking.
"I cannot but consider the matter seriously," said Aaron, thoughtfully, "for there can be no doubt of your sincerity. Still, it occurs to me that if we were both equally sincere in our advocacy of objects of a similar nature, it would be as well that we should pause and ask ourselves this question. Instead of endeavouring to convert Jews or Christians to a faith in which they were not born, would it not be better to employ ourselves in the effort to make those who call themselves Christians true Christians, and those who call themselves Jews true Jews?"
"There is force in your argument, but it is no answer to my appeal for a contribution to the objects of my society."
"You can probably," Aaron then said, "furnish me with particulars of the working of your society."
"Anticipating your request I have brought the papers with me."
Aaron looked through the printed books and papers handed to him, and made certain calculations.
"I perceive," he said, "that you take credit to yourselves for making a stated number of conversions during the past five years, and that you have spent a stated sum of money during that period. The number of conversions is very small, the amount of money expended very large. I have worked out the sum, and according to my figures each convert has cost you nearly eleven thousand pounds. You find these wavering Jews very expensive."
"Very expensive," assented the gentleman, with a half humorous sigh.
"I cannot say I sympathise with you, but I will make a proposition to you. You are zealous in the furtherance of an object which you believe to be worthy, and I am zealous in the furtherance of an object which I know to be worthy. I will give you a cheque as a donation to your object if you will give me a cheque for half the amount as a donation to mine. Do not be afraid; it is not for the promotion of Judaism among the Christians."