Champagne
Dvorah
Would that my eyes had not seen! Chasing a hat—the chaste young lady—running from the restaurant along the whole length of the fence—munching candy and laughing—her dress flying all about her—he, after her—chasing her. She snatches up a handful of leaves and throws it full into his face—and laughs and laughs.
Gruna (ironically)
And you looked on!
Dvorah
I knew her voice. (Pause.)
Gruna
My Hadas’l, my little one!
Dvorah (astounded)
Then you know—what? A betrothed, a bridegroom was it, perhaps? What?
Gruna
No.
Dvorah
No? And you—keep quiet!
Gruna
Yes.
Dvorah
Gruna!
Gruna (places the lamp very deliberately upon the table and speaks bitingly)
Listen, now—you—and hear what I have to say. (She catches Dvorah by the sleeve and motions her to be seated.) I’m going to tell you everything, and one God in Heaven alone will hear us! (Dvorah sits down.) When my husband died—…
7
