Shaking her head, Emma replied, “No. My husband’s grandmother recently died. I live in a respectable boardinghouse. I rent a room from a nice woman.”

The Kallinskis exchanged knowing glances, and Janessa now leaned forward, her face shining with hope and expectancy. “If you don’t have a pressing reason to leave, won’t you stay and have Sabbath dinner with us? It would be our pleasure to welcome you.”

“Oh, I couldn’t!” Emma exclaimed, sitting up straighter in the chair. “It’s so very kind of you, but I couldn’t. I don’t want to intrude.”

“You would not be intruding,” said Abraham. “And just think of what you did for me today. You could have been hurt. Please stay for Sabbath dinner.”

When Emma remained silent, Abraham noticed the baffled look on her face. “Our Sabbath is on Saturday. It commences at sundown on Friday. This is when we celebrate the beginning of the holy day with our Friday dinner.”

“I see,” Emma murmured, and couldn’t help glancing at the clock herself, as they had done.

Abraham noticed this and exclaimed, “Don’t worry, don’t worry! My sons will take you to your home after supper. David is nineteen and Victor sixteen; they are strong. You really will be safe with them even if it is dark.”

“But I—”

Janessa cut across her, “It is settled, Mrs. Harte.” She smiled and continued in a gracious manner, “You look tired, undoubtedly because of those hooligans. The food will nourish you, give you energy. You will enjoy it, I know.” She reached out and patted Emma’s arm. “We have more than enough for an extra person, an honored guest, and when David and Victor arrive, they will welcome you too.”

Emma gave in, induced to accepting by Janessa’s persuasive, good-natured pressure. She realized she was hungry, had not eaten much this week, and the fish-and-chips shop had lost its appeal. Furthermore, the pans bubbling on the stove emitted delicious mouthwatering aromas.

Finally, she said, “Thank you. I will be happy to join you.”

Janessa beamed at her, as did Abraham. Janessa said, “I am quite sure you have never eaten Jewish food before, but you will enjoy it. First, we will have the chicken soup with matzo balls. They are like Yorkshire dumplings, but smaller. Then a crisply roasted chicken, golden brown and moist, with carrots and other vegetables from the soup. We will finish with honey cakes and lemon tea.”

“It sounds delicious,” Emma said, her appetite reviving even more. She could hardly wait for dinner. Earlier she had noticed the table at the other end of the room. It had been covered with a pristine white tablecloth and set for four. Now she watched Mrs. Kallinski adding more cutlery and placing another chair for her. She suddenly felt at ease and very welcome in their home.