Champagne
Gruna
Not true—but once or twice a week—that’s the truth.
Dvorah (piously)
May his merits be turned to our account in Heaven and protect and shield us!
Gruna (hollowly)
Well, they didn’t protect us!
Dvorah
Because you are a sinner, Gruna.
Gruna (jumps up as if bitten by a snake)
I?
Dvorah
You—the widow of a Scribe—and such a kosher scribe—should conduct herself otherwise. The children…
Gruna (pointing to the curtain)
Shh! Keep still!
Dvorah
She isn’t there!
Gruna
Miriam’s lying down. Her head aches. Speak—lower.
Dvorah (approaches nearer to Gruna)
A girl should be guarded—watched! I’d rend mine in pieces if…
Gruna (pleadingly)
Don’t tear at my veins! Speak to the point…
Dvorah (cynically)
Why so eager for the joyful news?
Gruna
Don’t tear my soul out, I ask you!
5
