Page:Etta Block - One-act plays from the Yiddish (1923).pdf/89

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The Stranger



Mordcha
The whole thing is, somehow—a miracle—a wonder! (Laughing.) Something really—not to be believed! What can I say…

The Old Man
I would like to locate my son in this neighborhood. He’ll commence to do business here. When one has a good horse it really isn’t so far to Minshitz. Well, what do you say, my son, are you of a mind to travel farther?

Mordcha (to Fraidele, who is standing near the oven with a flaming face)
You hear, my child, what we’re talking about here?…Maybe I could manage a bit of a dowry.

(Fraidele droops her head shyly.)

The Old Man
What is there to make such a big talk about? Why should my son ask a dowry? We will remain the night here. Just come here once, daughter. Awt! Do you see? He is my son—an only child! He wants for nothing! His mother actually raised him on cream. He lacks for nothing!

Mordcha
Her mother, may she rest in Paradise, trembled a lot over her, too.

The Old Man
Well, why should we waste time over it—if it is a thing from God? Journeyed to look at a bride—nu—God gave I should save ten whole

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