“What is it?”
“As I say, nothing at all. Is there nobody else in the house?” Fanny demanded, looking about.
“May I not live till to-morrow if there is a living soul except my boy, and he is asleep. You may speak; never fear. But first tell me who you are; do not take ill my question. Be seated.”
The girl’s appearance and manner began to inspire Gitl with confidence.
“My name is Rosy—Rosy Blank,” said Fanny, as she took a seat on the further end of the lounge. “’F cou’se, you don’t know me, how should you? But I know you well enough, never mind that we have never seen each other before. I used to work with your husband in one shop. I have come to tell you such an important thing! You must know it. It makes no difference that you don’t know who I am. May God grant me as good a year as my friendship is for you.”
“Something about Jake?” Gitl blurted out, all anxiety, and instantly regretted the question.
“How did you guess? About Jake it is! About him and somebody else. But see how you did guess! Swear that you won’t tell anybody that I have been here.”
“May I be left speechless, may my arms and legs be paralyzed, if I ever say a word!” Gitl recited vehemently, thrilling with anxiety and impatience. “So it is! they have eloped!” she added in her heart, seating herself close to her caller. “A darkness upon my years! What will become of me and Yosselé now?”
“Remember, now, not a word, either to Jake or to anybody else in the world. I had a mountain of trouble before I found out where you lived, and I stopped work on purpose to come and speak to you. As true as you see me alive. I wanted to call when I was sure to find you alone, you understand. Is there really nobody about?” And after a preliminary glance at the door and exacting another oath of discretion from Mrs. Podkovnik, Fanny began in an undertone:
“There is a girl; well, her name is Mamie; well, she and your husband used to go to the same dancing school—that is a place where fellers and ladies learn to dance,” she explained. “I go there, too; but I know your husband from the shop.”