Page 47 - Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen

and Old that. Then you can go outside with her and
feed the horses and chickens."
"The horses are fed," Shmuel said. "The chickens I
will tend to myself, with Yitzchak and the children.
Chaya can help you here in the house. There is enough
to do."
Yitzchak's massive hands made surprisingly dainty
circles in the air. "My children and I will take care of
the animals. Tzipporah is wonderful about collecting
eggs. A real specialist, And Reuven knows just when
to shoo them off the nest." He smiled down at his
children, who looked up at him adoringly. "We are
sorry if we disturbed you. We thought we would come
over early and, in that way, help."
"Help!" Gitl sniffed, but she smiled at the children.
No sooner had Yitzchak disappeared outside with
Reuven and Tzipporah than Shmuel laughed out loud.
"I swear, Gitl, that man is already henpecked and not
even married to you yet."
"He is a monster," Gitl murmured. "Imagine leaving
those sweet, motherless children outside like chickens
in cages." She began to swipe at the table furiously with
a wet rag.
"I thought he was nice," Hannah ventured.
"Nice!" Gitl's voice rose. "But then you know so
much about raising motherless children, too, I sup-
pose."
Hannah closed her mouth. Argument was useless.
Instead, she began to clear away the dishes with silent
efficiency and seemed t6 be the only one who was sur-
prised that she was helping.

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