The faces framed in the open window radiated with a peculiar blissfulness, and nodded.
The young man made an heroic effort to control his risible muscles, and with twinkling eyes he pointed at the melamed.
"And who is this?"
"He is the melamed," said several voices; "a very wise and pious man."
The nobleman turned again to Todros.
"Reverend sir," he said, "could I speak alone with you for a few minutes?"
Todros remained silent as the grave, but his breath went faster and his eyes grew fiercer.
"Mr. Melamed," said the nobleman to the barefooted man in the long coarse shirt, "perhaps this is a day when your Rabbi is not allowed to speak?"
"Hah?" asked Reb Moshe drawlingly. The nobleman, half-amused, half-angry, turned towards the people.
"Why do they not answer?"