Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/34

 But it was so hard!&emsp;(He sighs.)&emsp;Even now—I can barely…

&ensp;(sitting down beside him) You little fool! The first step was the hardest, and that you have already taken. The rest will be easier, you’ll see. The bobbe’she will be so happy.

But just think of it, it is nearly two years since we have seen each other!&emsp;(Taking her in his arms.)&emsp;Did you at least think of me?

&ensp;(nestling like a little child in his arms—teasingly) No, I didn’t miss you!&emsp;(She kisses him ardently.)

Do you really love me as much as ever?&emsp;(She looks at him puzzled, as if she did not understand him.)&emsp;Why, then, didn’t you come to me?

&ensp;(quietly) I couldn’t…

&ensp;(uneasily) You couldn’t. To all of my letters, to all my pleadings you always returned the same excuse—you couldn’t. I could not move you! You did not seem to care that I was consumed out there with loneliness and friendlessness! Two years! Two dreadfully long years you let me yearn and suffer!

Do you think it was any easier for me here?