Standing there with a diffidence which she could not crowd down, Mrs.
Coblenz smiled through closed lips that would pull at the corners.
"The idea, Mr. Haas—going to all that trouble!"
"'Trouble'! she says. After two hours' handshaking in a swallow-tail, a man knows what real trouble is!"
She stirred around and around the cup, supping up spoonfuls gratefully.
"I'm sure much obliged. It touches the right spot."
He pressed her down to the chair, seating himself on the low edge of the dais.
"Now you sit right there and rest your bones."
"But my mother, Mr. Haas. Before it's time for the ride home she must rest in a quiet place."
"My car'll be here and waiting five minutes after I telephone."
"You—sure have been grand, Mr. Haas!"