Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/47

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Mother and Son



Malkele
Yes. You killed him! The sorrows you caused him have taken him from the world! He could not live down your fine doings! You are his—murderer!

Moshele (terribly white—his face distorted and shocked, follows her, his voice choked and strained)
What did you say?

Malkele (retreating)
You killed him! Out of here!

Moshele (still bearing toward her)
What did you say…?!

Malkele (still retreating)
Out of here! You are a rebellious son! (Pointing to the left.) Out!

(She is about to sink, but stumbles to a chair for support. Gitele runs in.)

Gitele
Bobbe’she…

Moshele (still bearing down on her)
What did you say…?

Gitele (to Moshele)
Go, away. You see how sick she is!

Moshele (doesn’t appear to hear—still follows Malkele up, reiterating, stunned)
What did you say…?

(Gitele helps Malkele, who is now completely prostrated. She leads her gently out, right, closing the door behind them. Moshele stands motionless before the door, repeating automatically

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