t her business with minimal involvement with her "clients." She reminds this reader of a wealthy businesswoman, an executive who both enjoys an afternoon shopping and going distances to keep appointments. And, especially, she is a woman who will keep that appointment with her client, whether that client wants to keep it or not. Her power is quiet and efficient and professional. There are no compromises and no extenuating circumstances which she will consider.
The Grimms' Death is another character entirely. This is a Death who is quite willing to make compromises and is most capable of involving himself in the life of the client at hand. Death is not an efficient businessperson in the view of the Grimms', but instead has the capacity for humaneness. He is a much more active force in the life of the client, as opposed to Maugham's Death who merely shows up on time at the appointed place.
Death in the Grimms' story is a source of relief and hope for the father and son. For the father, Death comes along with the promise of
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