The Ghetto Part 22

He ought to marry; then he would appreciate that.

THE RABBI.

Marry? Who spoke of marrying? He doesn't want to marry yet; I wouldn't have him marry yet. Don't try to hurry Rafael; he's not the fellow to stand it. My dear friends, when the time comes, and a strong, fine-looking young fellow makes up his mind that----

RAFAEL.

It is a good idea. I have been thinking of marriage all day.

SACHEL.

Eh, you have? Now what sort of thoughts did you have? I suppose you thought I would object, eh?

ESTHER.

But he doesn't know any girls. He never looks at them!

RAFAEL.

I know one.

ESTHER.

Indeed! And whom, pray?

RAFAEL.

Aaron's daughter--Rebecca. Do you know her?

[_SACHEL nudges THE RABBI._

ESTHER.

This is where she lives; and she came to see us yesterday, with her father.

RAFAEL.

Indeed! What did he come for?

ESTHER.

To sell some wool! She's a fine girl, I should say.

RAFAEL.

A delicate person--a retiring person--a shrinking person!

ESTHER.

Oh, not too much so.

RAFAEL.

[_As if disappointed._] Then you think she is not so sensitive a creature?

ESTHER.

Well, I should say she _was_ perhaps rather sensitive.

THE RABBI.

Shrinking, I should say.

SACHEL.

Shrinking; she is shrinking, I should say! [_A pause._

ESTHER.

Well----

THE RABBI.

And----

SACHEL.

And did----?

RAFAEL.

Eh? Rain--rain? Oh no!

THE RABBI.

Speaking of Rebecca reminds me, and I will tell you an anecdote----

RAFAEL.

Curious coincidence that, just as my mind was full of thoughts of love and matrimony, in should burst this same Rebecca!

SACHEL.

Eh? eh? [_He nudges THE RABBI._

THE RABBI.

Curious? Not at all! Beauty, health, cleverness--the idea is in the air, wherever she goes. If I were a young man--but such matters are not for my concern until they are brought to the synagogue--I should----