THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
thrusts a chair toward him. The visitors express their greetings and take their seats.)
Reb Ali, gesticulating.
Let's get right down to business. (To the stranger, pointing to Tekel.) This gentleman wishes to unite families with you. He has an excellent daughter and wants as her husband a scholar well versed in Rabbinical lore. He'll support the couple for life.
The Stranger
That sounds inviting.
Yekel, arising.
Yes, my friend. A virtuous Jewish daughter ... a model child. . .
Reb Ali, to the stranger.
He's ready to settle upon her a dowry of five hundred roubles cash at the time of the engagement. . . And he'll support the couple for life. He will treat your son as his own child.
The Stranger
Well, — there's little need of my boosting my goods. With two years more of study, he'll have the whole learning at his finger tips.
Reb Ali
Naturally, naturally. This gentleman will guard him like the apple of his eye. He'll have the best of everything here. He'll be able
[ 97 ]
