There was nothing for it but to edge out of the room and to hide myself
A week later she came again, this time with Maxie, whom I had not seen for nearly three years and who seemed to have grown to double his former size.
On this occasion she threatened to denounce me to the Cloak-makers' Union for employing scab labor. Finally she made a scene that caused me to whisper to Bender to telephone for a policeman. Before complying, however, he tried persuasion.
"You had better go, madam," he said to her, meekly. "You are excited."
Partly because he was a stranger to her, but mainly, I think, because of his American appearance and English, she obeyed him at once.
The next day her husband came. He looked so worn and wretched and he was so ill at ease as he attempted to explain his errand that I could scarcely make out his words, but I received him well and my manner was encouraging, so he soon found his tongue
"Don't you care to have it in the old way again?" he said, piteously
"Why, I wish I could, Mr. Chaikin. I should be very glad to have you here. I mean what I say. But it's really impossible."
"I should try my best, you know." "I know you would."
After a pause he said: "She'll drive me into the grave. She makes my life so miserable."