"Figure of speech. What you can really hear is the frogs," he said. "Good afternoon, Philosophers; it's a pleasure to see bright faces on a dull day. Sit down, do. My sister is making tea."
"I brought some butter for a present." Julian planked the package on the table.
"Wonderful. Thank you; then we'll certainly have toast."
When they were all seated, Portia said: "I brought a present, too, Aunt Minnehaha."
Mrs. Cheever opened the package eagerly. Voluta imperialis was a lovely thing: buff, tinged with pink. It was gracefully turned, and on top of it there was a circle of little points that gave it a crowned look.
Mrs. Cheever was enchanted. She clasped her thin hands, and the wintry pink came into her cheeks.
"Oh, Portia, what a beautiful shell! I can't tell you how it pleases me. No, indeed I can't."
She lifted it to her ear, listening, looking thoughtful, looking far away. She smiled to herself.
"Once a sea shell saved my life," she said. "At least I think it did."
"Tell!" demanded Portia.