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88 88 THE KING OF SCHNORRERS.

"He is engaged," said the wife — a tiny thin creature who had been plump and pretty. " He is very busy talking with a gentleman."

" Oh, but I can vait."

" But the Rabbi will be having his dinner soon."

" I can vait till after dinner," said Yankele obligingly.

" Oh, but the Rabbi sits long at table."

" I don't mind," said Yankele with undiminished placidity, " de longer de better."

The poor woman looked perplexed. " I'll tell my hus- band," she said at last.

Yankele had an anxious moment in the passage.

"The Rabbi wishes to know what you want," she said when she returned.

" I vant to get married," said Yankele with an inspiration of veracity.

" But my husband doesn't marry people."

"Vy not?"

" He only brings consolation into households," she ex- plained ingenuously.

"Veil, I won't get married midout him," Yankele mur- mured lugubriously.

The little woman went back in bewilderment to her bosom's lord. Forthwith out came Rabbi Remorse Red-her ring, curiosity and cupidity in his eyes. He wore the skull- cap of sanctity, but looked the gourmand in spite of it.

" Good Sabbath, sir ! What is this about your getting married? "

" It's a long story," said Yankele, " and as your good vife told me your dinner is just ready, I mustn't keep you

now."

" No, there are still a few minutes before dinner. What is it?"