THE KING OF SCHNORRERS. 65
devoted to you — my von thought to be vordy of such a man."
" You are not the first I have been compelled to refuse," said Manasseh, with emotion.
" Vat helps me dat dere be other Schlemihls (unlucky persons) ?" quoted Yankele, with a sob. " How can I live midout you for a fader-in-law? "
" I am sorry for you — more sorry than I have ever been."
" Den you do care for me ! I vill not give up hope. I vill not take no for no answer. Vat is dis blood dat it should divide Jew from Jew, dat it should prevent me becoming de son-in-law of de only man I have ever loved ? Say not so. Let me ask you again — in a month or a year
— even twelve months vould I vait, ven you vould only promise not to pledge yourself to anoder man."
"But if I became your father-in-law — mind, I only say if
— not only would I not keep you, but you would have to keep my Deborah."
"And supposing? "
" But you are not able to keep a wife ! "
"Not able? Who told you dat?" cried Yankele" indig- nantly.
" You yourself ! Why, when I first befriended you, you told me you were blood-poor."
"Dat I told you as a Schnoi-rer. But now I speak to you as a suitor."
" True," admitted Manasseh, instantly appreciating the distinction.
" And as a suitor I tell you I can schnorr enough to keep two vives."
" But do you tell this to da Costa the father or da Costa the marriage-broker?"
