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 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?

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!

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.

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! 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!