"Wot a lark!" said some one. "Oo—aye! Wot a lark!" some one else repeated. Then every one laughed. Philip was hilarious. It really was too funny—Jakey the dove!
"I've got the stomach-ache, rebbie!"
"No you've not, you mean your muvver's dying!"
Some one lifted the walking-stick. Barney did a pas seul in the corner. The gaiety of the situation intoxicated everybody. Philip was swept off his feet by the general merriment. He reached up for his father's skull-cap, put it on and looked round solemnly. Barney imitated Mrs. Gerber with great distinction.
"A moujik, not a rebbie!"
At this moment the door opened. Reb Monash's face looked round glowering below his silk hat. Quick as thought Philip covered the borrowed skull-cap, knowing there was no time to replace it, with his own cap. He felt the unfortunate load pressing guiltily against his head.
Reb Monash took off the silk hat and looked round for the yamelke.
"Where's my yamelke?" he demanded fiercely.
"Dunno!" a murmur rose.
"Did I not place it on the mantelshelf?"