"The matter is not pressing," said the father. "We can think it over, and decide before you return to Kief." "No, no!" cried Leah; "Mendel must not leave us. Promise to remain, my child!" But the boy was now delighted with the idea of accompanying his uncle. He asked a thousand questions concerning the wonderful town of Kief, which suddenly became the goal of all his hopes and ambitions. Bensef took the boy upon his lap and told him all about the great city, which had once been the capital of Russia. Mendel listened and sighed. His eyes beamed with pleasurable anticipation. Before going to bed, he threw his arms about his mother's neck. "Mother," he whispered; "let me go to Kief. I want to become great." Leah held him in a convulsive embrace, but said nothing. The morrow was Saturday--Sabbath morning. The little synagogue was crowded with an expectant throng. It was long since there had been a _bar-mitzvah_ in Togarog, and Israelites came from all the villages in the vicinity to witness the happy event. Happy seemed the men, arrayed in their white _tallesim_ (praying scarfs)--happy at the thought of another member being added to their ranks. Happy appeared the mothers in the reflection that their sons, too, would some day be admitted to the holy rite. When Mendel finally mounted the _almemor_ (pulpit), and began his _Bar'chu eth Adonai_, the audience scarcely breathed. Like a finished scholar did Mendel recite his _sidrah_, that portion of the _Torah_ or Law which was appropriate to the day. This was followed by the _drosha_, a well-committed speech, expressive of gratitude to his parents and teachers, and full of beautiful promises of a future that should be pleasant in the eyes of the Lord. The words fell from his lips as though inspired. It was a proud moment for the boy's parents. Their tears mingled with their smiles. Forgotten were hardships and persecutions. God still held happiness in reserve for his chosen people. When the boy concluded his exercises, kisses and congratulations were showered upon him by his admiring friends. "Hirsch Bensef is right," said Mordecai to his wife. "Mendel ought to go to some large city. He has wonderful talents. He may become a great rabbi. Who can tell?" "We shall see; we shall see!" replied his wife, with a look of mingled pleasure and pain. But she did not say her husband was in the wrong. In the afternoon the entire congregation visited Reb Mordecai, so that the little house scarcely held all the people. The men came with their long _caftans_, the women with their black silk robes, their prettiest wigs, and strings of pearls; and one and all brought presents, tokens of their esteem. Naturally, Mendel was the centre of attraction. His present, past and future were discussed. A brilliant career was predicted for him, and he was held up as a model to his juniors.