THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
Basha
He'd kill me on the spot. He's on the hunt for me with a crowbar. Once he caught me dancing with Franek at the village tavern and he gave me such a rap over the arm with a rod (Showing her arm.) that I carry the mark to this very day. I come from a fine family. My father is a butcher. Talk about the fellows that were after me ! . . . (In a low voice.) They tried to make a match between me and Nottke the meat-chopper. I've got his gold ring still. (Indicating a ring upon her finger.) He gave it to me at the Feast of Tabernacles.[1] Maybe he wasn't wild to marry me, — but I didn't care to.
Reizel
Why didn't you care to?
Basha
Because I didn't. . . He always smelled meat. . . Ugh! His name is Pshorik. Think of marrying Pshorik and having a little Pshorik every year! Ugh!
Reizel
And how is it any better for you here?
Basha
Here, at least, I'm a free person. I've got my chest of finery, and dress swell. Better clothes, upon my word, than the rich daughters
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- ↑ Succoth.
