I have five sons, said Tevye. Five! exclaimed Perchika, the fiery young revolutionary who had just given a speech in the
town square. Sons, groaned Tevye, How am I ever going to get them all married? All I want is for them to find a good woman to take care of them so they can settle down, keep house and raise children. Are they at least good looking? inquired Perchika who had a keen eye for a handsome face. God has blessed me in that respect. admitted Tevye, My sons are all fair of face. But they have no dowry! Who's going to marry a penniless boy from a poor family no matter how nice he is to look at? Cheer up Reb Tevye, comforted Perchika, If your sons have a pleasant disposition and are willing to work hard, that along with a pretty face may make up for having no dowry. Of course they'll have to take what they can get. Beggers can't be choosers. Tevye looked at the young
stranger with new interest. He knew that Motela the
village tailor and Lazaria Wolfe the village butcher were both interested in his oldest son. But maybe this rebel would develop an interest in his second son. After all she was a bit of an odd fish and he had to admit his second son was an odd fish as well. Always raving about workers rights or some such nonsense. True the stranger had no money but then she wasn't likely to object to a boy with no dowry. And once they were married it would no longer be Tevye's headache. At least they would have an interesting life together. An odd fish should marry an odd fish. He turned to Perchika. Why don't you come to Sabbath dinner? he invited her. My sons are all excellent cooks. You'll eat like you wouldn't believe! Perchika eagerly accepted. Little did she know of the trap that was being set for her or that her roving days would soon be over.