312 A ROSE OF THE GHETTO.
hard-working, God-fearing man, whose idea it is to start as a master- tailor on his own account? And you know how profitable that is ! "
" To a man like that," said Eliphaz, in a burst of enthu- siasm, " I would give as much as twenty-seven pounds ten ! "
Sugarman groaned inwardly, but Leibel's heart leaped with joy. To get four months' wages at a stroke ! With twenty-seven pounds ten he could certainly procure several machines, especially on the instalment system. Out of the corners of his eyes he shot a glance at Rose, who was beyond earshot.
" Unless you can promise thirty it is waste of time mentioning his name," said Sugarman.
"Well, well — who is he?"
Sugarman bent down, lowering his voice into the father's ear.
"What ! Leibel ! " cried Eliphaz, outraged.
" Sh !" said Sugarman, " or he will overhear your delight, and ask more. He has his nose high enough as it is."
" B — b — b — ut," sputtered the bewildered parent, " I know Leibel myself. I see him every day. I don't want a Shadchan to find me a man I know — a mere hand in my own workshop ! "
"Your talk has neither face nor figure," answered Sugar- man sternly. " It is just the people one sees every day that one knows least. I warrant that if I had not put it into your head you would never have dreamt of Leibel as a son-in-law. Come now, confess."
Eliphaz grunted vaguely, and the Shadchan went on triumphantly. " I thought as much. And yet where could you find a better man to keep your daughter?"
" He ought to be content with her alone," grumbled her father.
