"I can vait till after dinner," said Yankelé obligingly. "Oh, but the Rabbi sits long at table." "I don't mind," said Yankelé with undiminished placidity, "de longer de better." The poor woman looked perplexed. "I'll tell my husband," she said at last. Yankelé had an anxious moment in the passage. "The Rabbi wishes to know what you want," she said when she returned. "I vant to get married," said Yankelé with an inspiration of veracity. "But my husband doesn't marry people." "Vy not?" "He only brings consolation into households," she explained ingenuously. "Vell, I won't get married midout him," Yankelé murmured lugubriously. The little woman went back in bewilderment to her bosom's lord. Forthwith out came Rabbi Remorse Red-herring, curiosity and cupidity in his eyes. He wore the skull-cap of sanctity, but looked the gourmand in spite of it. "Good Sabbath, sir! What is this about your getting married?" "It's a long story," said Yankelé, "and as your good vife told me your dinner is just ready, I mustn't keep you now." "No, there are still a few minutes before dinner. What is it?" [89] [89] Yankelé shook his head. "I couldn't tink of keeping you in dis draughty passage." "I don't mind. I don't feel any draught."
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