592
PARTISAN REVIEW
Though he had felt only relief at the marriage broker's departure,
Leo was in low spirits the next day. He explained it as arising from
Salzman's failure to produce a suitable bride for him. He did not care
for his type of clientele. But when Leo found himself hesitating over
whether to seek out another matchmaker, one more polished than
Pinye, he wondered
if
it could be-his protestations to the contrary,
and although he honored his father and mother-that he did not, in
essence, care for the matchmaking institution? This thought he
quickly put out of mind yet found himself still upset. All day he ran
around in a fog-missed an important appointment, forgot to give
out his laundry, walked out of a Broadway cafeteria without paying
and had to run back with the ticket in his hand; had even not recog–
nized his landlady in the street when she passed with a friend and
courteously called out, "A good evening to you, Doctor Finkle." By
nightfall, however, he had regained sufficient calm to sink his nose
into a book and there found peace from
his
thoughts.
Almost at once there came a knock on the door. Before Leo
could say enter, Salzman, commercial cupid, was standing in the
room. His face was gray and meager, his expression hungry, and
he looked as if he would expire on
his
feet. Yet the marriage broker
managed, by some trick of the muscles, to display a broad smile.
"So good evening. I am invited?"
Leo nodded, disturbed to see him again, yet unwilling to ask
him
to leave.
Beaming still, Salzman laid his portfolio on the table. "Rabbi,
I got for you tonight good news."
"I've asked you not to call me rabbi. I'm still a student."
"Your worries are finished. I have for you a first-class bride."
"Leave me in peace concerning this subject." Leo pretended
lack of interest.
"The world will dance at your wedding."
"Please, Mr. Salzman, no more."
"But first must come back my strength," Salzman said weakly.
He fumbled with the portfolio straps and took out of the leather
case an oily paper bag, from which he extracted a hard seeded roll
and a small smoked white fish. With one motion of his hand he
stripped the fish out of its skin and began ravenously to chew. "All
day in a rush," he muttered.
Leo watched
him
eat.
