"Why, Toney, you look like Sisera going to do the deed! Is there anything I can get?"
"Oh, you'll do for audience beautifully, I was just going to fetch Mrs. Horner, but she is dreadfully busy. It's to hear Uncle Dove rehearse his speech. We've put up the platform for him and all, and now he declares he can't make a speech—but he must. Now do, Maud, you'll represent the ladylike portion. Poor uncle is so shy, and only says 'Hum, hum!'"
They entered the barn, where Sir Evas was indeed looking supremely unhappy.
"Oh, Waycott, I'm glad you've come. Toney declares I must make a speech and it's quite beyond me!"
"Oh yes you can, dear, ducky uncle. Just say something that you really mean out of your heart."
"That they won't make themselves ill with over-eating!"
"Oh, that's horrid, you wouldn't say that at your own table—but look, Mr. Waycott, what do you think of the whole?"
"Oh!" exclaimed Maud, "why it's too beautiful for them, and everything silver, and, oh, what lovely silver dishes!"
Lewis gave Maud a little nudge; he knew this speech would be like gunpowder to Toney.
"Too beautiful! Of course not! How can anything be too beautiful? Aren't these flowers exquisite, Mr. Waycott? That was all your doing."