Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/128

 NACHOMAH Do I begrudge it to her? Do I even look to see what she takes? I don’t know what you are talking about at all.

EZRA I am not angry with her really. What have I against her? Ha, ha, ha! But she’s a clever one, a clever minx! Answers right to the point. I said to her: “Haven’t you any respect at all for an old man? I am, anyhow, a sort of boss to you, am J not?” Do you know what she answered me? “You like it,” says she, “when I’m saucy to you. I am only a child next to you.” Ha, ha, ha!

NACHOMAH She is really only a child yet.

EZRA (whimsically)

A little mischief—ha, ha, ha!

NACHOMAH (pressing her hand suddenly to her side) Oh, my!...

EZRA What, again a stitch in your side?

NACHOMAH As with needles!

EZRA You see! And I say it isn’t right. She doesn’t look after you properly. (Calling testily) Simah! Simah!

NACHOMAH Why do you call? She isn’t in the house.

EZRA No. Today I'll give it to her! I?ll tell her if she doesn’t like it here, she can go elsewhere!