THE GOD OF VENGEANCE
golden chain.) And if he holds back, I'll add a hundred rouble note. (She searches Yekel's trousers pocket for his pocketbook. He offers no resistance.) Within fifteen minutes (Throwing a shawl over her shoulders.) Rifkele will be here. (As she leaves.) Shloyme will do that for me. (Slams the door behind her.)
Yekel, walks about the room, his head bowed.
It's all the same to me now. . .The devil got her, too. No more daughter. . . No more Holy Scroll. . . Into the brothel with everything. . . Back to the brothel. . . God won't have it. . . (Long pause. Reizel appears at the door, thrusting in her head. Steals into the room and stops near the entrance. Yekel notices her, and stares at her vacantly.)
Reizel, stammering.
I went for Reb Ali. Your wife sent me. He'll be here soon.
Yekel, with the same empty stare.
The devil has won her, anyway. No use now. Too late. God won't have it.
Reizel
She was such a nice girl. What a shame!
Yekel
Eyes her with amazement.
[ 74 ]
