"Never mind," Nodelman broke in. "He's an educated fellar, all the same.
He's awful educated. That's what makes him such a smart business man. By the way, Levinsky, how is the merchandise?"
"This is no place to talk shop," I replied, deprecatingly. "Especially when there are so many pretty ladies around."
"That's right!" several of the women chimed in in chorus
Mrs. Nodelman, the hostess, who stood in the doorway, beckoned to her husband, and he jumped up from the table. As he passed by my seat I seized him by an arm and whispered into his ear: "The merchandise is too heavy. I want lighter goods." With this I released him and he disappeared with Mrs. Nodelman
A few minutes later he came back
"Be a good boy. Show Ray a little more attention," he whispered into my ear.
"Do it for my sake. Will you?"
"All right."
I became aware of Mrs. Kalmanovitch's fire-flashing eyes, and my efforts to entertain her daughter were a poor performance