Aaron.
I had rather talk to you here.
Enter Sachel, pale, bowed and trembling; the two sit on a bench at the right.
Then it is true that you have not heard from Rafael for a week? What happened that day, after the officers had dispersed the crowd?
Sachel.
[With a sob, then restraining his emotions.] He brought her back here to get the few things that belong to her. He said that as soon as he had done with Hanakoff he would come and get her. Then he went away. He said he would be back in the morning; and he has been gone a week! My God, it was I who made him so anxious to leave—it is the judgment of the Almighty upon my sins!
Aaron.
[Calculatingly, as he looks at the letters in his hand.] Oh, he's your son; I fancy if he got in the vicinity of harm, he saw it before it saw him! And the girl, why do you let her stay here?
Sachel.
The Rabbi! The Rabbi came here and made me promise to keep the girl until Rafael could find a home for her. I thought it would be the next day; I promised. The Rabbi said he repented the strong words he had uttered when he slammed the door of the synagogue. H'm! The Rabbi is not much better than you, or at least, than me! The only difference is that the Rabbi is always repenting! If Rafael would only come back, I'd let him keep the girl here for ever—what do I care! I want my son—the only thing I live for!