'what an impudent face!' said the gabbai (treasurer), who witnessed the episode.

'and our minister says i'm that man's brother! exclaimed mr. levy.

[141]'hush! enough!' said the parnass, with a tactful inspiration. 'you shall read the haphtorah (prophetic section) next shabbos.'

'and mr. gabriel must explain he didn't mean me,' he stipulated, mollified by the magnificent mitzvah (pious privilege).

'you always try to drive a hard bargain,' grumbled the parnass. 'that's a question for mr. gabriel.'

the reverend gentleman had a happy thought. 'wait till we come to the text: "wherefore levi hath no part nor inheritance with his brethren."'

'you're a gentleman, mr. gabriel,' ejaculated s. cohn's son-in-law, clutching at his hand.

'and if he doesn't close to-day after your splendid sermon,' added the gabbai, 'you must call and talk to him face to face.'

the minister made a wry face. 'but that's not in my duties.'

'pardon me, mr. gabriel,' put in the parnass, 'you have to call upon the afflicted and the bereaved. and simeon samuels is spiritually afflicted, and has lost his sabbath.'

'but he doesn't want comforting.'

'well, solomon barzinsky does,' said the parnass. 'go to him instead, then, for i'm past soothing him. choose!'

'i'll go to simeon samuels,' said the preacher gloomily.