The Ghetto - LightNovelsOnl.com
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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.
