'I thought Mr. Gabriel had done that,' said the Gabbai.
'He is only a minister. He has no worldly tact.'
'Then, why don't you go?' said Solomon Barzinsky.
'I have too much worldly tact. The President's visit might seem like an appeal to authority. It would set up his bristles. Besides, there wouldn't be me left to appeal to. The congregation must keep some trump up its sleeve. No, a mere plain member must go, a simple brother in Israel, to talk to him, heart to heart. You, Barzinsky, are the very man.'
'No, no, I'm not such a simple brother as all that. I'm in the same line, and he might take it for trade jealousy.'
'Then Peleg must go.'
'No, no, I'm not worthy to be the Sheliach Tzibbur!' (envoy of the congregation).
The Parnass reassured him as to his merits. 'The congregation could not have a worthier envoy.'
'But I can't leave my business.'
'You, with your fine grown-up daughters!' cried Barzinsky.