Plot of this story is Feld the shoemaker and his assistant Sobel are working at their benches on a snowy February day. And Feld thinks about Max who dedication to pursuing his education arousing Feld’s good impression. Feld has a different view about education with his daughter. He wants his daughter to accept college education, but his daughter would rather find a job than accept college education. So, Feld thinks Max is a perfect boyfriend to Miriam. At that moment, Max brings his battered shoes emerging Feld’s store, and Feld finds that is a good opportunity introducing his daughter to Max. When Sobel hears Feld asking Max goes out with Miriam, grabs his coat and rushes outside, and quitting his job. Sobel’s departure leaves Feld in an unfortunate situation. He cannot run the business entirely by himself. After two times date with Max, Miriam finds Max is a materialist. All these things make Feld disappointment, and suffered a heart attack. Through a series of things, Feld goes finally in search of Sobel. Sobel tells Feld he loves Miriam that is the climax of the story. Finally, Feld is moved by Sobel’s love and agrees that Sobel can propose to Miriam after two years more.
Even though Max accepts education, he is only interested in things and has no soul. Max is a totally materialist. From the story we know Max is a peddler’s son and he takes a business course leading to an accountant. All these influence him, so he is sensitive to the material. When he first dates with Miriam just for a work, and doesn’t take any gift for Miriam. In contrast, Sobel does not study any college, but he read many books. Despite the terrible experiences as a refugee, but he finds his love in the America. Sobel has given Miriam to understand that he loves her, with his books and commentary. He has sat at his bench cutting and hammering away for five years, waiting Miriam to become a woman, unable to ease his heart...