THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
Rifkele
They want to turn me into a Rabbi's wife.[1] Why didn't mamma marry early?
Sarah
Hold your tongue, or I'll slap you black and blue! Just listen to what she's picked up in a single night!
Rifkele, misunderstanding.
Yes, I know everything now.
Yekel
Let her alone! (With nervous haste.) I want to ask her only one thing. One thing only. Tell me the truth. . . I'll not beat you. I'll not lay a finger upon you. You're not to blame. (Almost unable to speak.) Tell me frankly, the — the — whole truth tell me. . . The truth. . .
Sarah
What truth shall she tell you? What do you want of the girl?
Yekel
I'm not asking you. . . (Arises, seizing Rifkele by the hand.) Don't feel ashamed before me. I'm your father. You may tell me everything. . . Speak openly. . . Are you — are you still as pure as when you left this house? Are
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- ↑ Colloquial expression signifying extreme piety.
