They were pounding and sawing frantically in a
vain effort to beat the bedlam of conversation and laughter. It was
quite touching. The better to take in the effect of the turmoil, I
shut my eyes for a moment, whereupon the noise reminded me of
the Stock Exchange
The conductor, who played the first violin, was a fiery little fellow
with a high crown of black hair. He was working every muscle
and nerve in his body.
He played selections from "A?da," the favorite opera of the
Ghetto; he played the popular American songs of the day; he
played celebrated "hits" of the Yiddish stage. All to no purpose.
Finally, he had recourse to what was apparently his last resort. He
struck up the "Star-spangled Banner The effect was
overwhelming. The few hundred diners rose like one man,
applauding. The children and many of the adults caught up the
tune joyously, passionately. It was an interesting scene. Men and
women were offering thanksgiving to the flag under which they
were eating this good dinner, wearing these expensive clothes.
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