"Brave girl," said Mendel, fondly. "You are doing right and may he prove worthy of you."
"Will it take so long?" asked the mother. "You will then be twenty-four years old, Kathinka, and will be obliged to marry a poor man. Had you not better consider before refusing Goldheim? He is wealthy and quite learned."
"I do not care for him," replied the girl, quietly but with decision. "You married father for love, did you not?"
"Yes," said Mendel, replying for his wife. "She took me although I was but a poor Talmud scholar without a kopeck that I could call my own. Joseph will succeed. He has ambition and talent."
Kathinka kissed her father, affectionately.
"Then you are satisfied with my choice?" she asked.
"Yes, my dear, I am content. When Reb Wolf, the schadchen, comes for his answer we will know just what to tell him."