The Assistant Chapter 1, Section 4 Summary

  • Morris awakens from his nap, returns to the store, complains to Ida for letting him sleep so long, and goes out to purchase a newspaper with what little money they've earned that day.
  • When he returns, he and Ida argue over selling the store. He doesn't expect a buyer to come. She's angry that he didn't sell when times were good.
  • Helen goes upstairs to their home.
  • Morris follows a while later. He gives her five dollars he owes her, but she refuses.
  • He keeps the money, to his shame.
  • Morris tries inquiring about Helen and Nat's relationship, if any, but Helen doesn't say much and Morris doesn't have the heart to dig deeper.
  • They clearly have communication issues.