“At the very first,” she said. She spoke as if in a trance. “It was all⁠—it was their plot⁠—Miss Henderson’s plot. She hated me. And he⁠—he wanted me. He used to speak to me⁠—out on the platform. Then he began to⁠—to make love to me. He offered me money. He begged me⁠—he said he loved me. Then he threatened me. He knew all about us, he knew we would starve. He knew your boss⁠—he knew Marija’s. He would hound us to death, he said⁠—then he said if I would⁠—if I⁠—we would all of us be sure of work⁠—always. Then one day he caught hold of me⁠—he would not let go⁠—he⁠—he⁠—”

“Where was this?”

“In the hallway⁠—at night⁠—after everyone had gone. I could not help it. I thought of you⁠—of the baby⁠—of mother and the children. I was afraid of him⁠—afraid to cry out.”

A moment ago her face had been ashen gray, now it was scarlet. She was beginning to breathe hard again. Jurgis made not a sound.