...of brother-in-laws

Mr Sternowitz squirmed, blinked, dared not look at anyone. The hard-won relaxation of a few moments ago was destroyed entirely and everyone was on guard again. Nor was there any hope of the tension ever easing, since dinner was almost over, and there would be nothing more to divert one. David's mother assayed a few vague remarks. They went unanswered. In the strained silence, Aunt Bertha, who looked close to tears, kept muttering under her breath - 'Begrudges me everything...His spite, his sour silence...God blacken his destiny.' David looked around fearfully, hardly daring to think what might happen. Finally, Mr Sternowitz, after several preliminary coughs, thrust out his chin and smiled with forced and wavering heartiness.

[Call It Sleep, Roth, H.]