“Modernity,” Durand replied instantly.

Lavon gave an empathetic smile. “I’m afraid I feel the same way.”

“Really? And what is your field, monsieur?”

“Archaeology.”

“How fascinating,” Durand said. “When I was young, I was very interested in archaeology. In fact, I considered studying it.”

“Why didn’t you?”

“Dirt.”

Lavon raised an eyebrow.

“I’m afraid I don’t like to get my hands dirty,” Durand explained.

“That would be a liability.”

“A rather large one, I think,” Durand said. “And what is your area of expertise, monsieur?”

“Biblical archaeology. I do most of my work in Israel.”

Durand’s eyes widened. “The Holy Land?”

Lavon hesitated, then nodded.

“I’ve always wanted to see it for myself. Where are you working now?”

“The Galilee.”

Durand seemed genuinely moved.

“You are a believer, Monsieur Durand?”

“Devout.” He looked at Lavon carefully. “And you, monsieur?”

“At times,” said Lavon.

Durand looked at Hannah Weinberg. “That shipment of lorgnettes has finally arrived. I set aside the best pieces for you. Would you like to see them now?”

“Actually, my friend has something he needs to discuss with you.”

Durand’s gaze returned to Lavon. It betrayed nothing but a mild curiosity, though Lavon once again had the feeling Durand was taking his measure.

“How can I help you?”

“Would it be possible to speak in private?”

“But of course.”

Durand gestured toward the doorway at the back of the shop. Lavon entered the office first and heard the door close behind him. When he turned around, the expression on Maurice Durand’s face was far less amiable than it had been a moment earlier.

“Now what is this all about?”

Lavon removed the wax paper sheath from the satchel. “This.”

Durand’s eyes didn’t move from Lavon’s face. “I gave that document to Madame Weinberg on the condition she keep my name out of it.”

“She tried. But I convinced her to change her mind.”

“You must be very persuasive.”

“Actually, it wasn’t hard. All I had to do was explain how many people have been killed because of these three pieces of paper.”

Durand’s expression remained unchanged.

“Most people would be a bit uncomfortable after hearing something like that,” Lavon said.

“Perhaps I’m not easily frightened, monsieur.”

Lavon returned the sheath to his satchel. “I understand you found the document inside a telescope.”

“It was a piece from the late eighteenth century. Brass and wood. Dollond of London.”