Gradually I gave the conversation a more personal turn. When, somewhat flushed, I finally hinted at my plan, he shrank with an air of confusion
At this juncture his wife made her appearance, followed by her eight-year-old boy. Chaikin looked relieved
"I hear you are talking business," she said, summarily taking possession of the situation. "What is it all about?"
Completely taken aback by her domineering manner, I sought escape in embarrassed banter.
"You have scared me so," I said, "I can't speak. I'll tell you everything.
That's just what brings me here. Only let me first catch my breath and take a look at your stalwart little man of a boy."
Her grave face relaxed into an involuntary smile
What struck me most in her was the startling resemblance she bore to her husband. The two looked like brother and sister rather than like husband and wife
"You must be relatives," I observed, for something pleasant to say, and put my foot in it
"Not at all," she replied, with a frown