Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/42

Mother and Son

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She kisses her very tenderly. Gitele wraps a shawl about her.)

Malkele
No Evil Eye! (After a pause.) I have been wanting to say something to you. Sit down here by me.

(Gitele sits on the foot-stool and looks up openly at Malkele. Malkele places her hands on either side of Gitele’s head and affectionately scrutinizes her face. She kisses her tenderly. She appears to have something very serious to say to her, but hesitates how to begin.)

Malkele (at last with a little smile)
Aren’t you the least little bit abashed? Of course, you do not guess that I am just now considering you very earnestly. (Gitele laughs freely, innocently.) A match has been suggested to me for Aaron, and do you know—with whom? With you. (Gitele trembles suddenly and attempts to rise. Malkele gently holds her down.) No, Gitele—you do not need to be ashamed before me. I am a grandmother. (She strokes the girl’s head. After a pause she speaks musingly.) If I could bring that about, then I would indeed be very happy. Both of you are good, capable children—no Evil Eye. I love you both. When your mother, may her soul rest in peace, died, you were just a mere swallow, and I, your grandmother, also became your mother. To see you both happy together is the greatest wish I have to ask of Him, blessed be His Name.

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