"Will you shut up, or do you want another beating?"
Sossye went off into a fresh peal of laughter, and the shovel fell out of Shloimeh's hand.
Again he caught a glance, but this time she wrinkled her nose at him, as much as to say, "Fie, you shameless boy! Can't you behave yourself even before other people?"
Hereupon the infant gave account of itself in a small, shrill voice, and the general commotion went on increasing. The overseer scolded, the Matzes-printing-wheel creaked and squeaked, the bits of glass were ground against the rolling-pins, there was a humming of songs and a proclaiming of secrets, followed by bursts of laughter, Sossye's voice ringing high above the rest.
And the sun shone into the room through the small window—a white spot jumped around and kissed everyone there.
Is it the Spirit of Israel delighting in her young men and maidens and whispering in their ears: "What if it is Matzes-kneading, and what if it is Exile? Only let us be all together, only let us all be merry!"
Or is it the Spring, transformed into a white patch of sunshine, in which all have equal share, and which has not forgotten to bring good news into the house of Gedalyeh the Matzeh-baker?
A beautiful sun was preparing to set, and promised another fine day for the morrow.
"Ding-dong, gul-gul-gul-gul-gul-gul!"
It was the convent bells calling the Christians to confession!