Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/17

 Would that my eyes had not seen! Chasing a hat—the chaste young lady—running from the restaurant along the whole length of the fence—munching candy and laughing—her dress flying all about her—he, after her—chasing her. She snatches up a handful of leaves and throws it full into his face—and laughs and laughs.

&ensp;(ironically) And you looked on!

I knew her voice.&emsp;(Pause.)

My Hadas’l, my little one!

&ensp;(astounded) Then you know—what? A betrothed, a bridegroom was it, perhaps? What?

No.

No? And you—keep quiet!

Yes.

Gruna!

&ensp;(places the lamp very deliberately upon the table and speaks bitingly) Listen, now—you—and hear what I have to say.&emsp;(She catches Dvorah by the sleeve and motions her to be seated.)&emsp;I’m going to tell you everything, and one God in Heaven alone will hear us!&emsp;(Dvorah sits down.)&emsp;When my husband died—…