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Chapter 19

Over the dusty paths of the Butte Chaumont, Rose and her suitor strolled along, searching about with their eyes for something that might give them a topic to discuss. They had already taken care of the weather, and the latest news. They walked aimlessly, now drawing closer together, now separating. The candidate for the post of bridegroom probed his mind for a remark that might be taken as a compliment, something not too bold, but enough to make an impression. What Rose was searching for was a good excuse to be rid of him altogether.

At the grotto near the river, her Charlot was waiting. Every evening, at this time he was there. Sometimes he would be the first to arrive, and sometimes she.

It was getting quite late. How long, she wondered, would it take her to get rid of her unwelcome companion? She must have been with him two hours already. Charlot was not exactly the patient type. And here she was, stuck with a hopeful suitor.

She shuffled along the dusty path and darted a side glance at him. Average height, and already the beginnings of a belly. Something like her father, it suddenly occurred to her. Give him a gold chain across his vest, and a skull cap on his head--and he was all set to be one of the functionaries at the synagogue. Even his nose is a typical Jewish one, she thought. And I suppose he's crazy about cheese blintzes, lokshen soup,

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