EEB SHLOIMEH 343
Reb Shloimeh grows more and more lively, and is con- tinually trying to rise from his couch.
Once out of bed, he could hardly endure to stay in the room, and how happy he felt, when, leaning on a stick, he stept out into the street! He hurried in the direction of the bookbinder's.
He was convinced that people's feelings toward him had changed for the better, that they would rejoice on seeing him.
How he looked forward to seeing a friendly smile on every face ! He would have counted himself the happiest of men, if he had been able to hope that now everything was different, and would come right.
But he did not see the smile.
The town looked upon the apoplectic stroke as God's punishment it was obvious. "Aha !" they had cried on hearing of it, and everyone saw in it another proof, and it also was "obvious" of the fact that there is a God in the world, and that people cannot do just what they like. The great fanatics overflowed with eloquence, and saw in it an act of Heavenly vengeance. "Serves him right! Serves him right!" they thought. "Whose fault is it?" people replied, when some one reminded them that it was very sad such a man as he had been, "Who told him to do it ? He has himself to thank for his misfortunes."
The town had never ceased talking of him the whole time. Every one was interested in knowing how he was, and what was the matter with him. And when they heard that he was better, that he was getting well, they really were pleased; they were sure that he would give
