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 few days he's turned into a saint. . . Seeks the company of pious Jews. (Runs over to the entrance door and locks it.) And what a bride you have picked out! Such a pest your Hindel is, I must say! You can't shake yourself rid of her! She trails after you as if you already belonged to her. I'll wager she's tracked you to this place, too! (With a wily smile.) Ah, Shloyme, Shloyme, such goods you've selected! (She goes over to the window and opens the shutters. The room grows lighter.) Why have they closed up the place, anyway? As if in mourning!

Don't worry, I tell you. Once I've said "yes," I mean it. Whoever else I'd refuse, I'll do it for you. Even if you have treated me shabbily of late. . . Well, never mind. Hindel may go to perdition for all it'll help her.

A fellow as young as you, — how can you take such a scarecrow as Hindel? Who is she? She's roamed around from one brothel to another. Why, a young chap like you! And you can make a tidy bit now. Then what do you need her for? With your couple of hundred roubles why can't you catch some fine, respectable girl? Why not? Aren't you as young and handsome as any other, I'd like to know? (Slaps him