Page:Zangwill-King of schnorrers.djvu/45

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THE KING OF SCHNORRERS.
31

he watched the couples promenading among the sunlit parterres and amid the shrubberies, in the cool freshness of declining day. Here "grobstock rummaged among them." and there the vivid face of a dark-eyed beauty gleamed like a passion-flower. Manasseh surveyed the scene with bland benevolence; at peace with God and man.

He did not deign to bestow a glance upon the garments till Grobstock observed: "There! I think that's all I can spare." Then he turned leisurely and regarded—with the same benign aspect —the litter Grobstock had spread the bed—a medley of articles in excellent condition, gorgeous neckerchiefs piled in three-cornered hats, and buckled shoes trampling on white waistcoats. But his eye had scarcely rested on them a quarter of a minute when a sudden flash came into it, and a spasm crossed his face.