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The Southern Israelite Page 19 determined against Sigmund we have been before. He would not admit the truth, however. Instead he said that Sigmund, living in a large city, was not religious enough for him. He wanted a son-in-law who was strongly Attached to the religion of his an cestors. But soon it was learned that Sigmund, in spite of his position and his life in the German capital, was very religious and was strongly at tached to the faith in which he was reared. In fact, it was known in the little town that Sigmund’s employer, a millionaire many times over, had offered him the hand of his daughter and a partnership in the business, [providing he would become a Christ ian. Sigmund refused the offer, say ing that the faith of his childhood was dearer to him than all else. In spite of the fact that he knew • he was not wanted by Reb Benzion, Sigmund asked many of his friends to intercede in his behalf. Esterka’s mother, too, became more insistent [that Sigmund would make the best husband for her daughter. Reb Ben zion felt that it would be hard for him to hold out much longer, and in order to put an end to it, he called < n Benjamin Hoeker and asked him to arrange a match for his daughter, secretely. He was certain that once [engaged, Esterka would not dare think of any other man, and she would have to “knock the foolish love affair lout of her head.” Fortunately, Itzik Ilersh began to suspect something when he saw that Benjamin Hoeker was on good terms with Reb Benzion. He decided to find out why they were so intimate, and to cross the plans of his opponent no matter what these plans might be. How he came to find it out we know. From the mo ment “Wisdom” was certain of his ground, Reb Benzion was a mere chess figure around which two power ful opponents fought, i When Esterka learned from Itzik jHersh how her father plotted against her. she felt helpless. She was ac customed to her father’s rough treat ment, to his outbursts of anger, but that he should regard her as a bale of goods to be dealt out to the first man he met, that she had not expect ed. But what was to be done? The thought of speaking to her father earnestly, telling him that she would marry no one except Sigmund, was pushed into the background by a feel ing of childish timidity. To allow it all to continue she knew was dangerous, as her father could c, >me to her one fine day and an nounce that she was engaged. To oppose his will then would result in [public scandal, which she would rath- not live to see. Her mother, however, freed her [from these despairing uncertainties, as • s he took up the fight. ^ ou have rather numerous visitors these days, Benzion,” said the clever " ! l rn l in w ^ e they were at table. ^ hat visitors do you mean?” Our clever Reb Benjamin Hoeker.” These visits are of no importance you, ’ grumbled Reb Benzion, who "as becoming suspicious. I am afraid they are of verv much ’importance to me,” "In what way?” Because they have something to w ith our child.” Ho not poke your nose every where,” he snapped at her. “It is ,n y business.” Mine also,” she whispered. “What?” He sprang from his seat. “Do you think I will allow this?” Then turning to Esterka, he yelled: “And you, my little daughter, per haps you have something to say in this matter, too?” “And would I not have the right to say something, my dear father?” asked Esterka, who was encouraged by this question. “Ha, ha, ha,” laughed Reb Benzion sardonically, as he fell back into his chair, “that would be a fine story in deed. And whom would you like to have for a husband?” “Sigmund Reifman.” Reb Benzion sprang from his chair like a teased wolf. “Sigmund Reifman!” he growled. “If you pronounce his hateful name in my presence, I will tear the hair out of your head and beat you black and blue, do you hear, you impudent girl!” Esterka feared that her angry fa ther might translate his words into action and fled weeping into another room. Her example was followed by her mother, who feared no less her husband’s outbursts. Like one possessed, the angry man rushed about the room, venting his anger on his beard which he pressed between his fingers and which he now and then bit between his teeth. He was not prepared for such stout op position on the part of his wife and daughter, whom he usually intimidated with a harsh word. He understood that a quick end must be thought out. ... He was drumming on the window-pane in anger when a cough ing was heard in the hall, and in a few minutes a shrivelled man with a hunched shoulder appeared in the door. “May the Lord give you a good day,” whispered the little man, meekly. “Good day!” thundered Reb Ben zion in response. “Why so indisposed, Reb Benzion?” “Because I have good cause for it,” pouted Benzion. “But, Reb Benzion, I should think you have cause rather to be glad than sad,” flattered “Piety”. “Why should I be glad?” “We shall soon celebrate in joy and good fortune the betrothal of your daughter. As far as Reb Leibish Reb- huhn is concerned, everything is as you wish it to be.” “Not so here.” “How is that, Reb Benzion?” “This confounded Reifman sticks like a bone in my throat. Women mix into my affairs now.” “We can easily get rid of him,” an nounced the hunchbacked man with his most pious smile. “How, let us hear.” “For the Glory of God and the Good of the Community, why shall we not do it?” “Proceed with business, proceed,” ordered Reb Benzion, w’ho was tired of this phrase from hearing it so often. And “for the glory of God and the good of the community” whispered his plans into the ear of Reb Benzion. The latter was visibly astonished for he listened to “Piety” interestedly un til the plans were all revealed. He then slapped him on the hunched shoulder as he repeated several times: “Good, very good, very good indeed. But can it be done?” “Why not? You go ahead and do your part as I told you to. The rest, leave to me.” PLANT AND OFFICE 537 Mrrtinn Strr«*l 1IKANCII OFFICE 8W Sorlrly Slrrnl Copleston’s Klendry I Hllft Phone 2088 DRY CLEANERS ANI) DYERS Carpet Cleaning and Renovating CHARLESTON, S. 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