THE MAGIC BARREL
691
But Leo w.as troubled. "You're sure she's that young?"
"This I am positive. The father will show you the birth
certificate. "
"Are you positive there isn't something wrong with her?" Leo
insisted.
"Who says there is wrong?"
"I don't understand why an American girl her age should go
to a marriage broker."
A smile spread over Salzman's face.
"So for the same reason you went, she comes."
Leo flushed. "I am pressed for time."
Salzman, realizing he had been tactless, quickly explained. "The
father came, not her. He wants she should have the best, so he
looks around himself. When we
will
locate the right boy he will in–
troduce him and encourage. This makes a better marriage than if
a young girl without experience takes for herself. I don't have to
tell you this."
"But don't you think this young girl believes in love?" Leo
spoke uneasily.
Salzman was about to guffaw but caught himself and said
soberly, "Love comes with the right person, not before."
Leo parted dry lips but did not speak. Noticing that Salzman
had snatched a quick glance at the next card, he cleverly asked,
"How is her health?"
"Perfect," Salzman said, breathing with difficulty. "Of course,
she is a little lame on her right foot from an auto accident that it
happened to her when she was twelve years, but nobody notices on
account she is so brilliant and also beautiful."
Leo got up heavily and went to the window. He felt curiously
bitter and upbraided himself for having called in the marriage
broker. Finally, he shook his head.
"Why not?" Salzman persisted, the pitch of his voice rising.
"Because I hate stomach specialists."
"So what do you care what is his business? Mter you marry
her, do you need him? Who says he must come every Friday night
to your house?"
Ashamed of the way the talk was going, Leo dismissed Salzman,
who went home with melancholy eyes.
