Benjamin caught the last two words and nodded his head.
"And then you'll be coming back to us. I suppose they will apprentice you to something."
"What does he say, Esther?" asked Benjamin, impatiently.
Esther interpreted.
"Apprentice me to something!" he repeated, disgusted. "Father's ideas are so beastly humble. He would like everybody to dance on him. Why he'd be content to see me a cigar-maker or a presser. Tell him I'm not coming home, that I'm going to win a scholarship and to go to the University."
Moses's eyes dilated with pride. "Ah, you will become a Rav," he said, and lifted up his boy's chin and looked lovingly into the handsome face.
"What's that about a Rav, Esther?" said Benjamin. "Does he want me to become a Rabbi—Ugh! Tell him I'm going to write books."
"My blessed boy! A good commentary on the Song of Songs is much needed.
Perhaps you will begin by writing that."
"Oh, it's no use talking to him, Esther. Let him be. Why can't he speak
English?"
"He can—but you'd understand even less," said Esther with a sad smile.