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.Andnow and then a little snow came fluttering down. We ve laid in a supply of coals for the winter, our greatcoats areback from the tailor s, said Reb Avram Ber, the nights are growinglonger, and in the long winter evenings I shall be able to concentratemore than ever on the Talmud.All s well, the Lord be praised. Raizela wrapped herself up more tightly in her velvet jacket, andshe, too, could concentrate better on her reading.The gems of wisdomin her books sparkled more brightly than ever in the wintry light.Michael went on with his studies in a desultory way.He only camehome for his meals, for all day and every day he was very busy doingnothing in particular with a set of friends who were occupied in thesame way.He enjoyed the company of his boon companions, gainingtheir respect by his keen sense of humor, and he was perfectly satisfiedwith life in general and with himself in particular.Deborah was the exception.She could not come to terms with theworld around her.She was alternately gloomy and restless.She felt that there was something lacking in her life.What thatsomething was she could not tell.In former days her great obsessionhad been the glamour of city life.That passion was now satisfied:she had come to the greatest city in Poland.Soon after her arrivalthere, her one burning desire had been to get a hat and a new outfitof clothes, so as to go forth freely in the streets of the town.Thatdesire, too, was satisfied.What else did she desire, what was it that gaveher no peace?How was it that her mother managed to strike such deep roots inlife, although she hardly ever moved from her couch and fed her mindon her own thoughts? As for her father, he knew how to play with life136 ESTHER SINGER KREITMAN and laugh with it.Then again, Michael found all things of absorbinginterest; he never had to flounder about like a lost soul, but knewalways what he wanted and took the shortest cut to get it.She alonewas afflicted.She alone could find no place for herself.When she did the housework she felt she was wasting her time.Shehated to be a common drudge.But whenever she went on strike andsulked in a corner, she was just bored to death.Of course, there werebooks to read.But somehow they had lost their magic, they no longerafforded her that complete sense of escape as of old.As for Miss Rushka, that girl was a terrible bore.Deborah got onmuch better without her, and was highly pleased when Miss Rushkawent off into one of her sudden tantrums and stayed away for no reasonat all.However, when Deborah could stand the loneliness no longer, shewould pay her a ceremonial visit.And one day she learned from no lessa person than Miss Rushka that there were evening classes in Warsaw,which were open to the public.So Deborah joined, and that gaveher new zest in life.She would look forward to the evenings.She didnot merely listen attentively to the lessons, but drank them in.Whateverthe class was given to learn by heart, Deborah was invariably the first tomaster it.Moreover, she struck up an acquaintance with a girl who,although much older than herself, treated her like an equal.This friendli-ness Deborah very much appreciated, especially as Bailka (as she wascalled) was such a good-natured, cheerful soul, so interesting andclever.Gradually they became friends and were much attached to oneanother.From time to time Bailka would vaguely allude to some sort of association, which was engaged in very important work and had asacred mission to perform.Then, after a while, she began to speakmore openly and asked Deborah if she would care to join the move-ment.Deborah knew nothing about the movement, but she was cer-tainly prepared to join.She had complete confidence in Bailka.In fact,she began to look forward impatiently to the great day when Bailkawould introduce her, as promised, to the comrades of the party. If you impress the comrades, as I hope you will, we shall be ever sopleased to have you in our ranks.We need men and women capable ofthe deepest loyalty and capable of great sacrifices.Democratic inclina-tions, while good in themselves, are not enough.Strength of characterand firmness of will are wanted to back them up. Deborah was all eagerness.She had only the haziest idea of what itTHE DANCE OF THE DEMONS 137 was all about, but as there were comrades, loyalty, and sacrifices in it, itwas in all probability a good thing.After all, she had read somethingabout the comrades in Mottel s books.They were all great, noble menand women. For my part, I m certainly going to recommend you, Bailka reas-sured her. I tell you what, give me a call about six o clock on Saturdaynight, and we ll talk things over, we ll go out for a walk and generallyhave a good time
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