THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
rapidly, making ingratiating gestures as he does so. He appears to be much at home, and evidently entertains a high opinion of himself.
I beg your pardon, Scribe; I beg your pardon. (Quietly, to Yekel and Sarah.) You ought to act more decently. It's high time. People are coming and. . .
The Scribe, enters. A tall old man, whose long, thin body is enveloped in a broad overcoat. His beard is long, white and sparse. He wears spectacles and has an air of cold aloofness and mystery.
Reb Ali, pointing to Yekel.
This is the donor of the Scroll.
The Scribe, proffering his hand to Yekel, at the same time surveying him.
Greetings. Peace be to you, fellow Jew.
Yekel, Thrusts out his hand, uncertainly. Sarah reverently steps to one side.
Reb Ali, takes a seat at the table and pushes a chair over toward the Scribe.
Be seated. Scribe. (To Yekel.) Take a seat. (The Scribe sits down. Yekel, still uncertain, sits down opposite him, next to Reb Ali. The latter addresses the Scribe.) This is the gentleman on whose behalf I ordered the Holy Scroll. (He helps himself to brandy, first pouring out a glass for the Scribe.) He has no son, so he
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