The Ghetto Part 7

Why, didn't you _tell_ me----

AARON.

[_Waving her away._] We're talking business, Sachel and I!

_Enter ESTHER._

Esther, those cakes are wonderful!

 

ESTHER.

Thanks! [_To REBECCA._] Look here. [_Showing a photograph--watching her closely._] Rafael is a good-looking boy, isn't he?

REBECCA.

Oh, you'd better let me have this! He wouldn't mind, would he? What a fine likeness--but so sad!

ESTHER.

That's for some nice girl to take out of him.

REBECCA.

[_Tapping the photograph._] And you'll let me----

ESTHER.

Have the picture? With pleasure! Have you seen Isaac's new warehouse?

[_Points up the ca.n.a.l. REBECCA retires to the bridge._

[_Sotto, to AARON._] I like your girl--she's remarkably discreet. When she's married, you'll be lonely enough!

AARON.

[_Sotto._] And when she is married, Esther--[_meaningly_]--may I take me a wife on the same day; one that can bake such cakes as those!

[_Aloud._] Esther, there is not another woman in Amsterdam that can bake such cakes as those!

[_The two exchange meaning glances; they advance on SACHEL, as if now in alliance._

REBECCA.

[_Aside._] I don't believe it was about me!

AARON.

But, outside of that, Rebecca is a wonderful housewife, and in the shop--she brings me the trade!

SACHEL.

H'm! She'll never bring you a son-in-law! For you can't spare money to give with her. You need it all in your business.

AARON.

Do I? With my daughter there will go a trifle of eight thousand guilders. [_Pause._

REBECCA.

[_Aside._] It _is_ about me. They are getting on!

AARON.

And he thinks a girl will bring his son a matter of twelve thousand guilders.

_Enter ROSA; she shows that she has been listening and is troubled._

SACHEL.

Let my son tell me he is going to marry a girl with less than twelve thousand! I would give him the choice of starvation. I would lock the door on him.

[_ROSA sees the photograph in REBECCA'S hand._

AARON.

Who's talking of your son? My daughter--Esther, just look at her--such a figure, such a skin--such eyes! Esther, Esther, look at her walk!

Look at her walk!

REBECCA.

Is Rafael at home?

ROSA.

No.

ESTHER.

Rafael and Rebecca--that would sound rather well!

AARON.

My dear woman, I won't give twelve thousand guilders.

SACHEL.

And I won't give my son at less!

AARON.