Raisins and almonds - Poisoned Pen Press (UK)

Raisins and Almonds 8
after him—but he completely refused. Such a scene! The Rabbi
denouncing Papa for being no better than a heathen because he
does not spend all his time studying, Papa getting upset because
he was trying to help a great scholar, Mama just stopping herself
from denouncing the Rabbi right back for saying such awful
things about Papa, who was only trying to save the old man from
starvation, Uncle Chaim trying to stop Mama from yelling, and
then the Rabbi just walked out, quite humbly, not angry at all
any more. Possibly he is dotty. But Yossi and the others kiss the
hem of his garment and say he is the holiest of holy men. Is the
flat really dreadful?’
‘Pretty dreadful, but he doesn’t seem to notice. If your father
still wants to help the ungrateful old person, he might give a little
money to a Mrs. Rabinowitz, she seems to be looking after him
as far as she can. And she could at least pay his rent for him.’
‘I’ll tell Uncle Chaim. He’ll arrange something,’ said the
young man, sliding the hand up Phryne’s thigh. She caught her
breath and stood resolutely up, leaning on the mantelpiece and
smiling into the imploring brown eyes.
‘Later,’ she promised. The doorbell rang.