THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
speaks, and her whole body quivers. She looks about in surprise.
What? Nobody here?
Reizel, to Manke.
Is it you, Manke? A good thing you came. (Pointing to Hindel.) She's almost made a Rabbi's wife of me. Where have you left your guest?
Manke
He fell asleep. So I stole out.
Reizel
Some generous land-owner, perhaps? Maybe he'll stand for the drinks?
Manke
Bah! He's a fool. Third time he's come. And he keeps asking me, who's my father, who's my mother, — as if he intended to marry me. . . Whenever he kisses me he hides his face in my bosom, closes his eyes and smiles as if he were a babe in his mother's arms. (Looks around. In a low voice, to Hindel.) Hasn't Rifkele been here yet?
Hindel, with a soft laugh.
She was here. . . and her father caught her. . . and maybe he didn't raise a rumpus. . .
Manke
Good heavens! How long since?
[ 56 ]
