Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/64

 It is really very gloomy in the house. We may now, but would you have the strength to do it?

Why not, if only we may.

Well, my child, I’ll go now with the wood. I’ll get back early today. We really must whitewash the house. It may be we’ll take someone in with us—so you won’t have to be alone.

&ensp;(startled) Whom are you going to take into the house—someone to help me?

Yes, of course, so it’ll be a little easier for you. Mamma used to tremble over you so, and now—you have to work even beyond your strength

Don’t do it, papa. It’s good enough as it is. Let it be the way it is.

I can’t look on and see the way you have to work.

Mind me, papa, we don’t need anyone. I’m big enough now. I’ll raise Pinele, too, you’ll see.

Pinele, you see, needs a mamma, too.

I don’t want it—that a stepmother should come into the house.