Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/76

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The Stranger



The Old Woman
Paid, paid! I’ve rested myself here, so it’s already paid. Who else will wear it, if not you, you foolish child? Why, you’re already a marriageable girl. You need it.

Fraidele
I’m so ashamed!

The Old Woman
What is there to be ashamed of?

Fraidele
I’m only a little girl yet.

The Old Woman
Of course, you’re only a little girl—a golden child! But that is the custom with us! You’re a Jewish child! He, in Heaven, keeps an Eye on His orphans!

(Rain is heard outside.)

Fraidele
Papa. will get so wet! Woe is me!

The Old Woman
Your father is not the only one on the wayside. I suppose it is necessary we should have rain.

Fraidele
The grain is already off the fields.

The Old Woman
Nu—then? The dust on the road will settle a bit. The horses won’t have to be driven so hard.

Fraidele
The road from here to town is very dusty!

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