Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/53

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Mother and Son



The Doctor
Do not go in too suddenly and in such excitement. Remember she is far from well.

Moshele (embracing the doctor)
Friend, doctor, my mother loves me! Let me go to her! My good mother!

(He runs to the table, snatches up the little box, hisses it, presses the books to his cheek, runs right, turns back again, pulls Gitele to him, kisses her, cries, laughs, murmurs and is at a loss what to do next for joy.
The door at the right opens and Malkele comes in. Her face shows the effects of keen suffering. Moshele pushes the doctor aside and rushes to her in one bound. He falls on his knees and clasps her feet. He kisses her hands, looks up eagerly into her face and hides his head in her dress. He cannot speak, and for a while all that can be heard are his incoherent mutterings.)

Moshele
Mother! Mother! Mother…Mamma’she. Forgive me—my good mother! I am wicked! Mamma’she, you do love me…

(Malkele stands motionless. Her face is calm, her eyes brilliant, radiant. Her lips and her eyelids quiver slightly. Aaron enters. He stops still in amazement—does not take in the situation at once, but as he recognizes Moshele, he runs to him with joy, and they embrace.)

Moshele
Arreh’le, you plead with her. You plead for

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