Deronda was a little startled by this clear-sightedness; but before he could reply Mordecai added--"it is all one. Had you been in need of the money, the great end would have been that we should meet again. But you are rich?" he ended, in a tone of interrogation.
"Not rich, except in the sense that every one is rich who has more than he needs for himself."
"I desired that your life should be free," said Mordecai, dreamily--"mine has been a bondage."
It was clear that he had no interest in the fact of Deronda's appearance at the Cohens' beyond its relation to his own ideal purpose. Despairing of leading easily up to the question he wished to ask, Deronda determined to put it abruptly, and said,
"Can you tell me why Mrs. Cohen, the mother, must not be spoken to about her daughter?"

Deronda was startled by this clear-sightedness; but before he could reply Mordecai added- "It is all one. If you needed money, we should still meet again. But you are rich?"
"Only in the sense that everyone is rich who has more than he needs for himself."
"I desired that your life should be free," said Mordecai, dreamily; "mine has been a bondage."
It was clear that he had no interest in the reason for Deronda's appearance at the Cohens' beyond his own purpose. Deronda, determine to put his question, said-
"Can you tell me why Mrs. Cohen, the mother, must not be spoken to about her daughter?"
