The Stranger
The Old Man
He is an only son. Yitzchack is his name—after a great-grandfather.
The Old Woman (chuckling to herself)
Ha—forgot two potatoes in the oven—all burned.
Mordcha
Is that so? An only son? Helps you, I suppose. If I had a big boy in the house it would be a great help to me, too.
The Old Man
I was just going to look at a bride for him. It’s ten miles from here yet.
Mordcha
A bit far.
The Old Man
That’s what I say—it’s too far. There’s a long story to it. I met at a Fair, around Pentecost, a man—a bit acquainted with him. We got to talking together, you know, like men will. And here—just lately, he again inquired through a relative of his. So I thought to myself: Times are quiet, the horse eats the oats anyway, we'll just take a run over there. But I’m thinking myself it’s a little too far… (To Fraidele.) What do they call you?
Fraidele
Fraida Leah.
Mordcha
After her mother’s mother.
77
