"In order that he may perfect himself in the sciences."
"And why need he perfect himself in the sciences?"
"In order that he may not become a serf."
At these words the heart of the Starosta began to beat fiercely.
"Then he cannot be a serf if he becomes a scholar, eh?"
"No. At all times and everywhere a scholar is a gentleman."
"Your Reverence has no doubt heard of the curse with which a Rabbi threatened me?"
"Every one knows of it."
"And do you suppose that it can be fulfilled?"
"Everything is possible in this world."