"How should I know? A little, dark girl, with a print dress, rather pretty—not a bit like you."
"Yes, that's our Esther—she's in the sixth standard and only eleven."
"We don't have standards in our school!" said Levi contemptuously. "Will your sister join in the I-spy-I?"
"No, she can't run," replied Solomon, half apologetically. "She only likes to read. She reads all my 'Boys of England' and things, and now she's got hold of a little brown book she keeps all to herself. I like reading, too, but I do it in school or in Shool, where there's nothing better to do."
"Has she got a holiday to-day, too?"
"Yes," said Solomon.
"But my school's open," said Levi enviously, and Solomon lost the feeling of inferiority, and felt avenged.
"Come, then, Solomon," said his father, who had reached the door. The two converted part of the half-crown into French loaves and carried them home to form an unexpected breakfast.
Meantime Reb Shemuel, whose full name was the Reverend Samuel Jacobs, also proceeded to breakfast. His house lay near the Shool, and was approached by an avenue of mendicants. He arrived in his shirt-sleeves.
"Quick, Simcha, give me my new coat. It is very cold this morning."