THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
We'll be all by ourselves. . . For days at a time. . . We'll be so happy. What do you say, Rifkele?
Rifkele, closing her eyes.
And my father won't know?
Manke
No. We'll run away this very night, — with Hindel, to her house. . . She has a house with Shloyme, she told me. You'll see how nice everything will be. . . Young folks will be there aplenty, — army officers. . . and we'll be together, all by ourselves, all day long. We'll dress just like the officers and go horseback-riding. Come, Rifkele, — do you want to?
Rifkele, trembling with excitement.
And papa won't hear?
Manke
No, no. He won't hear. He's sleeping so soundly. . . There, can't you hear him snoring? . . . (Runs over to Hindel's compartment and seizes Hindel by the arm.) Have you got a place? Come! Take us away at once!
Hindel, waking with a start.
Yes, yes. To Shloyme's, right away! (She throws a dress over Rifkele.) He'll find us a place quickly enough.
Manke, hastily dressing Rifkele.
You'll see how nice everything'll be. . . What
[ 64 ]
