The Ghetto Part 9
You’re reading novel The Ghetto Part 9 online at LightNovelFree.com. Please use the follow button to get notification about the latest chapter next time when you visit LightNovelFree.com. Use F11 button to read novel in full-screen(PC only). Drop by anytime you want to read free – fast – latest novel. It’s great if you could leave a comment, share your opinion about the new chapters, new novel with others on the internet. We’ll do our best to bring you the finest, latest novel everyday. Enjoy!
SACHEL.
So we shall. Why doesn't he come? His miserable selfishness. My G.o.d, if anything has happened to him! He doesn't come. He might have been set upon and robbed--beaten, killed, by some cursed ruffian beyond the Ghetto. My G.o.d--I'm harsh--too harsh with him. I shall be chastened for it. I was harsh to his mother; yes, I know--I know; I broke her heart perhaps, and Rafael, poor boy----[_Stops, listens._] His step!
Yes; even--steady--he's in no distress. He's not worrying about _me_.
He'll come home to sleep and get more money--that's all. He's a vagabond--a rascally vagabond!
_Enter ESTHER._
_Enter RAFAEL by the bridge._
RAFAEL.
[_Wearily._] Good evening. [_No answer._] Good evening! [_No answer._]
[_He exchanges guarded looks with ROSA. Exit ROSA._
ESTHER.
[_Contemptuously._] The gentleman says "Good evening!" This is his lodging-house, where he does us the honour to sleep!
RAFAEL.
I know I am rather late. I hope you were not anxious about me, father.
Were you? Father! Oh--well!
ESTHER.
Why should he answer you? What manner of son are you?
SACHEL.
Where have you been all day?
RAFAEL.
I--what does it matter? I know--I promised to do some business for you--but--there were other things--I forgot--I am sorry.
ESTHER.
Oh, he's sorry.
SACHEL.
I asked you where you idled all this day, and you evaded me.
RAFAEL.
I have been everywhere--and the day vanished while I was thinking.
Have you something to eat, aunt?
SACHEL.
We have finished eating.
ESTHER.
At this time of night! H'm!
RAFAEL.
Very well. I will see what I can find.
SACHEL.
Oh, my Maker, how heavily thou visitest upon me! To be thus mocked by a stranger within mine own house! If your poor dead mother knew how you treated me!
RAFAEL.
Father, the rotten board that marked my mother's grave is falling to pieces. And you can hardly find the spot for weeds--weeds!
SACHEL.
Is that where you've been? Where else?
RAFAEL.
Far away--in my thoughts.
SACHEL.
Another day--a whole precious day devoured by your drivelling nonsense! Are you a son? Have you an old blind father? Oh, my business, my splendid business, that I slaved and sweated out my marrow for, dwindling, dwindling with every ticking of the clock! And he wants me to buy a new headboard! I had better buy one for myself. I had better be dead than not, with such a son.
ESTHER.
Sachel! Sachel! You cry--for a son like that! He is not worth one tear.
SACHEL.
G.o.d punishes me for all my sins. When he was a child I have stolen the bread from my mouth for him, weeks at a time; and now I may burrow alone in the dark for all he cares, chained to my door-post, chained to wait till some one comes to deal with me--to rob and swindle and mock me--because I am alone--and blind.
RAFAEL.
And the saddest is, it is not my doing, and I cannot help it.
SACHEL.
Not his doing! Oh, my Maker! Can I keep him in irons and make him use his eyes for me?
RAFAEL.
The Ghetto Part 9
You're reading novel The Ghetto Part 9 online at LightNovelFree.com. You can use the follow function to bookmark your favorite novel ( Only for registered users ). If you find any errors ( broken links, can't load photos, etc.. ), Please let us know so we can fix it as soon as possible. And when you start a conversation or debate about a certain topic with other people, please do not offend them just because you don't like their opinions.
The Ghetto Part 9 summary
You're reading The Ghetto Part 9. This novel has been translated by Updating. Author: Herman Heijermans already has 547 views.
It's great if you read and follow any novel on our website. We promise you that we'll bring you the latest, hottest novel everyday and FREE.
LightNovelFree.com is a most smartest website for reading novel online, it can automatic resize images to fit your pc screen, even on your mobile. Experience now by using your smartphone and access to LightNovelFree.com
- Related chapter:
- The Ghetto Part 8
- The Ghetto Part 10