The Stranger
Fraidele
Such a heavy load!
The Old Woman (dropping down wearily on the bundle)
Praised be the Lord—in a Jewish house at last! Where’s your mamma?
Fraidele
Mamma’s dead. Passover she died.
The Old Woman
Was a pious woman, I suppose! Na—and left you so young! Where is your papa?
Fraidele
He took a load of wood to the city.
The Old Woman
And what are you doing?
Fraidele
I kneaded the bread and made a fire in the oven.
The Old Woman
Nu, did you look to see if it is rising? There, there, I’ll give a look myself. Such a young thing your mother left you! Very young! (Uncovering the tub of dough.) M’m—not even stirring.
Fraidele
It isn’t very long since I kneaded it.
The Old Woman
But you’ve already made the fire. You’ve been crying, too, I see. I suppose you’ve been crying into the bread, eh?
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