The prospects of Esther's post-nuptial wig were not brilliant.

She was not tall for a girl who is getting on for twelve; but some little girls shoot up suddenly and there was considerable room for hope.
Sarah and Isaac were romping noisily about and under the beds; Rachel was at the table, knitting a scarf for Solomon; the grandmother pored over a bulky enchiridion for pious women, written in jargon.

Moses was out in search of work.

No one took any notice of the visitor.
"What's that you're reading ?" he asked Esther politely.
"Oh nothing," said Esther with a start, closing the book as if fearful he might want to look over her shoulder.
"I don't see the fun of reading books out of school," said Levi.
"Oh, but we don't read school books," said Solomon defensively.
"I don't care.

It's stupid." "At that rate you could never read books when you're grown up," said Esther contemptuously.
"No, of course not," admitted Levi.