Part 53 (1/2)
”We used to be schoolboys together, that is all. Though strangely enough I just spent an hour with him. He is very well,” answered David smiling.
”He is about to marry again.”
”His first love of course,” said the Reb.
”Yes, people always come back to that,” said David laughing.
”That's right, that's right,” said the Reb. ”I am glad there was no unpleasantness.”
”Unpleasantness. No, how could there be? Leah knew it was only a joke.
All's well that ends well, and we may perhaps all get married on the same day and risk another mix-up. Ha! Ha! Ha!”
”Is it your wish to marry soon, then?”
”Yes; there are too many long engagements among our people. They often go off.”
”Then I suppose you have the means?”
”Oh yes, I can show you my--”
The old man waved his hand.
”I don't want to see anything. My girl must be supported decently--that is all I ask. What do you do for a living?”
”I have made a little money at the Cape and now I think of going into business.”
”What business?”
”I haven't settled.”
”You won't open on _Shabbos_?” said the Reb anxiously.
David hesitated a second. In some business, Sat.u.r.day is the best day.
Still he felt that he was not quite radical enough to break the Sabbath deliberately, and since he had contemplated settling down, his religion had become rather more real to him. Besides he must sacrifice something for Hannah's sake.
”Have no fear, sir,” he said cheerfully.
Reb Shemuel gripped his hand in grateful silence.
”You mustn't think me quite a lost soul,” pursued David after a moment of emotion. ”You don't remember me, but I had lots of blessings and halfpence from you when I was a lad. I dare say I valued the latter more in those days.” He smiled to hide his emotion.
Reb Shemuel was beaming. ”Did you, really?” he inquired. ”I don't remember you. But then I have blessed so many little children. Of course you'll come to the _Seder_ to-morrow evening and taste some of Hannah's cookery. You're one of the family now, you know.”
”I shall be delighted to have the privilege of having _Seder_ with you,”
replied David, his heart going out more and more to the fatherly old man.
”What _Shool_ will you be going to for Pa.s.sover? I can get you a seat in mine if you haven't arranged.”
”Thank you, but I promised Mr. Birnbaum to come to the little synagogue of which he is President. It seems they have a scarcity of _Cohenim_, and they want me to bless the congregation, I suppose.”