Page:Zangwill-King of schnorrers.djvu/81

67 THE KING OF SCHNORRERS. 67

" But that only makes six pound ten ! "

" I know — de oder tirty shillings I allow for Passover cakes and groceries. Den for Synagogue-knocking I get ten guin — "

" Stop ! stop ! " cried Manasseh, with a sudden scruple. " Ought I to listen to financial details on the Sabbath?"

"Certainly, ven dey be connected vid my marriage — vich is a Commandment. It is de Law ve really discuss."

"You are right. Go on, then. But remember, even if you can prove you can schnorr enough to keep a wife, I do not bind myself to consent."

"You be already a fader to me — vy vill you not be a fader-in-law? Anyhow, you vill find me a fader-in-law," he added hastily, seeing the blackness gathering again on da Costa's brow.

" Nay, nay, we must not talk of business on the Sabbath," said Manasseh evasively. " Proceed with your statement of income."

"Ten guineas for Synagogue-knocking. I have tventy clients who — "

" Stop a minute ! I cannot pass that item."

"Vynot? It is true."

" Maybe ! But Synagogue-knocking is distinctly work /"

"Vork?"

" Well, if going round early in the morning to knock at the doors of twenty pious persons, and rouse them for morning service, isn't work, then the Christian bell-ringer is a beggar. No, no ! Profits from this source I cannot regard as legitimate."

" But most Schnorrers be Synagogue-knockers ! "

" Most Schnorre7-s are Congregation-men or Psalms-men," retorted the Spaniard witheringly. " But I call it debasing. What ! To assist at the services for a fee ! To worship