Synopsis

Kayle, the matchmaker’s daughter, sits talking in the dining room with three of her friends and her suitor Khaykelson, a poet. The young women tease him because he can only write poetry when it rains. Kayle wonders about Khaykelson’s feelings for her, since she cannot discuss poetry with him, but he claims he loves her because she is like a poem herself –– even if she does not love him. Kayle’s father, Note Khaykin, wakes up and dismissively throws the poet out. Kayle does not seem to mind, but she asks her father to find her a groom. Note is more concerned about his own financial troubles and an important match he is trying to broker. Kayle says that she met a suitable young man at a concert and he walked her home. He is going to come back later that evening. Her father decides to spy on them, and is horrified to find out that Kayle’s doting suitor is Herman Likhtenshteyn, whose marriage he has been trying to arrange with wealthy Fräulein Grinshpan. Herman assures Note that he prefers Kayle. In desperation, the matchmaker tries to tell Herman that Kayle is already practically engaged to a poet, and when that fails, reminds him that Kayle has neither a trousseau nor a dowry. Finally, Note says he will withhold his permission –– until Herman finally realizes what is bothering him and offers to pay Note the fee he would have received for arranging the match between him and Fräulein Grinshpan. The doting couple, Note, and his wife Tsipe are all very happy. Suddenly Khaykelson returns to retrieve a book he “forgot.” Note has a flash of inspiration, and begins asking Khaykelson questions about himself, and then inquires if the poet would be interested in a match. Although he hesitates as first, Khaykelson is soon very enthusiastic about meeting Fräulein Grinshpan.