"What I am doing? I am an official in the office of the governor himself, and I copy important papers."
Meir thought for a while.
"That is not what I wished to know about. You copy those papers for money. Every man must earn. But I wish to know what you think about when you are sometimes alone, and what those thoughts impel you to accomplish in the world."
Leopold opened widely his eyes.
"Well," he exclaimed impatiently, "what should I think about? When I leave my office I return home, smoke a cigarette, and think of the time when I shall marry and get a dowry, and my father will give me my share, and I shall purchase a house. On the ground floor I shall fix pretty stores, the second floor I shall let to some rich people, and I shall live on the third floor."
This time it was Meir's turn to be amazed. "And you, Leopold, don't you think of anything else?"
"Well, of what else should I think? Thank God I have no sorrows. I live and board with my parents and my salary is sufficient to buy my clothes."
Meir looked at the floor, and a deep wrinkle appeared on his forehead, as was customary with him when he was hurt.
"Leopold, listen," he said, after a few moments of deep thought, "are there not many poor and ignorant Jews in your great city?"
Leopold laughed.