THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
And just see what a daughter we have. Thank God, more decent than all the daughters of the best families in town. She'll marry some highly esteemed fellow, raise a respectable family. . . Isn't that so? Then what's wrong?
Yekel, arising.
Yes, with an example like you as her guide. Go, let Manke steal up to her from downstairs. . . Have her here, in this room, all the time!
Sarah
Just see how he 's carrying on! I once asked Manke to teach Rifkele how to embroider on canvas. Rifkele's a young lady, you must remember. Has she any companions at all? You don't let her step out into the street. . . (Pause.) If you don't want her to have anything to do with Manke, then she won't.
Yekel
No, I don't want her to! Do you hear? I don't! I don't want my home to mix with downstairs. (Points to the cellar.) My home must be kept apart from that place! Understand? Just like pure and impure![1] Below (Indicating the cellar.) is a brothel, and here lives a pure girl, worthy of marrying the best of men. Do you hear? (Bangs his fist upon the table.) A pure, virtuous maiden lives here!
[ 16 ]
- ↑ Cf. previous note on 'trayf and 'kosher.'
