Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/170

 PESEH Object! No, God forbid! Only I thought— (Guardedly) You want to marry her, hah?

DAVID Right after the Sabbath if possible!

PESEH (striking her hands together in joy)

God, my God! Channah, Channah dear! (She cries over her and kisses her.) May it be in a fortunate moment, my child—in a lucky hour! You are both good children! There are not many such! (She grows suddenly very sad.) You know, of course, David, she has no dowry. Not even an outfit! Of course, with God’s help we may manage to scrape together a little—of course, we'll have to get it—but, of course, it will be very, very little .. .

DAVID That don’t worry me. I don’t need her dowry, God forbid—as long as I have strength and the health to work. And, perhaps, we may even be able to help you along sometimes, with God’s help. I earn eight rubles a week! Eight rubles! And if God gives I can earn more!

GERSON Yes, yes. Eight rubles! A golden worker! A golden worker is he! The work actually flies in his hands!

PESEH (with pride)

He has a golden heart, too. Nu—thank God, that He has not forsaken us at least! My mother, in her grave, must have interceded for me! God give you luck, with health and bless- ings, my children. (She wipes away a tear.)