THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
Rifkele, approaches her father very unwillingly, in fear.
What does papa dear want?
Yekel
Don't be afraid, Rifkele, I won't hurt you. (Takes her hand.) You like your father, don't you?
Rifkele
Nods "yes."
Yekel
Then why are you afraid of him?
Rifkele
I don't know.
Yekel
Don't be afraid of papa. He loves you. Very, very much. Today I'm having a Holy Scroll written. It costs a good deal of money. All for you, my child, all for you. (Rifkele is silent. Pause.) And with God's help, when you are betrothed, I'll buy your sweetheart a gold watch and chain — the chain will weigh half a pound. . . Papa loves you very dearly. (Rifkele is silent. She lowers her head bashfully. Pause.) Don't be ashamed. There's nothing wrong about being engaged. God has ordained it. (Pause.) That's nothing. Everybody gets engaged and married. (Rifkele is silent. Pause.) Well, now. Do you love daddy?
[7]
