gentleman ("and I could
swear I gave him my hand," Chayyim reminded himself). Loibe-Baeres had
made a friendly reply, he had even stopped and asked, like an old
acquaintance, "Well, Chayyim, and how are you getting on?" And Chayyim
strains his memory and remembers further that he answered on this wise:

"I thank you for asking! Heaven forgive me, one does a little bit of
business!"

And Chayyim is satisfied with his reply, "I answered him quite at my
ease."

Chayyim resolves to speak to him this time even more leisurely and
independently, not to cringe before him.

Chayyim could already see Loibe-Baeres' house in the distance. He coughed
till his throat was clear, stroked his beard down, and looked at his
coat.

"Still a very good coat!" he said aloud, as though trying to persuade
himself that the coat was still good, so that he might feel more courage
and more proper pride.

But when he got to Loibe-Baeres' big house, when the eight large windows
looking onto the street flashed into his eyes, the windows being
brightly illuminated from within, his heart gave a flutter.

"Oi, Lord of the World, help!" came of its own accord to his lips. Then
he felt ashamed, and caught himself up, "Ett, nonsense!"

As he pushed the door open, the "prayer" escaped him once more, "Help,
mighty God! or it will be the death of me!"

* * * * *

Loibe-Baeres was seated at a large table covered with a clean white
table-cloth, and drinking while he talked cheerfully with his household.

"There's a Jew come, Tate!" called out a boy of twelve, on seeing
Chayyim standing by the door.

"So there is!" called out a second little boy, still more merrily,
fixing Chayyim with his large, black, mischievous eyes.

All the rest of those at table began looking at Chayyim, and he thought
every moment that he must fall of a heap onto the floor.

"It will look very bad if I fall," he said to himself, made a step
forward, and, without saying good evening, stammered out:

"I just happened to be passing, you understand, and I saw you
sitting--so I knew you were at home--well, I thought one ought to
call--neighbors--"

"Well, welcome, welcome!" said Loibe-Baeres, smiling. "You've come at the
right moment. Sit down."

A stone rolled off Chayyim's heart at this reply, and, with a glance at
the two little boys, he quietly took a seat.

"Leah, give Reb Chayyim a glass of tea," commanded Loibe-Baeres.

"Quite a ki