of a pause in their conversation to

During the meal the Pollack began to speak with his host about the persecution in the land whence he had come, the bright spot in his picture being the fidelity of his brethren under trial, only a minority deserting and those already tainted with Epicureanism--students wishful of University distinction and such like. Orthodox Jews are rather surprised when men of (secular) education remain in the fold.   Hannah took advantage of a pause in their conversation to say in German:   "I am so glad, father, thou didst not bring that man home."   "What man?" said Reb Shemuel.   "The dirty monkey-faced little man who talks so much."   The Reb considered.   "I know none such."   "Pinchas she means," said her mother. "The poet!"   Reb Shemuel looked at her gravely. This did not sound promising.   "Why dost thou speak so harshly of thy fellow-creatures?" he said. "The man is a scholar and a poet, such as we have too few in Israel."   "We have too many _Schnorrers_ in Israel already," retorted Hannah.   "Sh!" whispered Reb Shemuel reddening and indicating his guest with a slight movement of the eye.   Hannah bit her lip in self-humiliation and hastened to load the lucky Pole's plate with an extra piece of fish.