Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/41

 ''handmade box and a pillow. She sets the box on the table and solicitously arranges the pillow behind Malkele.)''

&ensp;(tenderly) Why are you so hot, Gitele?

&ensp;(her face flaming up, puts her hands to her cheeks—confused) Who, I? I don’t know, I suppose it is from the kitchen. The stove is so hot.

Why do you stand near the stove? How many times have I told you not to do it?

&ensp;(fussing nervously with the pillow) It is already late. Aaron will soon be home to dinner, and it won’t be ready.

And did you have your walk?

&ensp;(placing a foot-stool under Malkele’s fect) No, I didn’t have any time.

What a disobedient child you are! You watched by me for forty-eight hours and now you sit still in the house. You may, God forbid, get sick. Then you’ll have it!

&ensp;(who has finished adjusting the foot-stool) Who, I—sick? Ha-ha-ha!&emsp;(She stands very erect and spreads both arms out broad.)&emsp;Just let the bobbe’she look at me! Do I look sick?

(Malkele looks her over attentively. She is satisfied and pleased with her, and her sorrow-laden countenance brightens, but only for an instant.