Mother and Son
me. Arkeh, ask her to forgive me. I am a wicked one…
Malkele (runs to Aaron fearfully)
Him—you don’t touch! Away! (She tears Aaron away from Moshele and hides him behind her, as if to ward off some pollution.) Away! Leave him to me, at least! Away!
Moshele
I will not go away, mamma’she. You do love me, mother dear! You do love me!
Moshele
Him—you don’t touch! At least they shall remain pious Jews! (To Aaron.) Come with me. (Aaron stands still with his eyes riveted on Moshele.) Come, I tell you! (She leads him off quickly.)
Moshele (following them to the door)
Mother dear… Mother… My good…
(The door slams in his face. Moshele is left standing with outstretched hands, pleading to the closed door. The doctor is looking out of the window; he coughs slightly to hide his agitation. Gitele, who has been standing aside all this time weeping silently, comes forward. She makes an emphatic little gesture, as if she has come to a final decision. She wipes her eyes and goes quickly to her room.)
Moshele (very still, speaks to himself)
She went away… Loves me—but went away…
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