Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/166

 GERSON (shamefacedly trying to hide the fact that he is a bit tipsy) Why, David, not asleep yet? It is already mid- night. The factory whistle will soon call to work. DAVID I would like to say something to you, Reb Gerson. GERSON (putting him off) Tomorrow, tomorrow at work—when we're to- gether at work. There’s plenty of time. CHANNAH (pulling David’s sleeve) Let it be. Tomorrow, David, tomorrow. DAVID Why tomorrow? Better now—now. At the factory the noise is deafening, and the thing I want to tell you is pressing.

GERSON (surprised) Aha! What can it be?

DAVID (stammering) I—Reb Gerson. . . You know me, I think— still—still—still, it seems to me. . . Here—

GERSON (laughing)

What ails you, David? Have you lost your tongue, or are you crazy, which? What are -you talking about, what?

DAVID (dlurting it out in one breath) Listen, Reb Gerson, I love your Channah very much! Don’t be angry with me, will you! It isn’t my fault. You know that I’m a re- spectable fellow. It will love and protect her very much—very much