Every kopeck she earned or saved was a scale in her coat of armor.

We learned this code early in life, in Polotzk; so I was pleased with the success of our ruse on this occasion, though I should have been horrified if I had seen Cousin Rachel cheat a Jew.
We made our headquarters in that part of Vitebsk where my father's numerous cousins and aunts lived, in more or less poverty, or at most in the humblest comfort; but I was taken to my Uncle Solomon's to spend the Sabbath.

I remember a long walk, through magnificent avenues and past splendid shops and houses and gardens.

Vitebsk was a metropolis beside provincial Polotzk; and I was very small, even without stooping.
Uncle Solomon lived in the better part of the city, and I found his place very attractive.

Still, after a night's sleep, I was ready for further travel and adventures, and I set out, without a word to anybody, to retrace my steps clear across the city.
The way was twice as long as on the preceding day, perhaps because such small feet set the pace, perhaps because I lingered as long as I pleased at the shop windows.