"Ann, that asparagus is to be—asparagus!"
"Such wicked extravagance, an' all for that b'y. Hermy, I'm surprised at ye!"
For a long moment after Mrs. Trapes had departed there was silence, while Ravenslee sat gazing where Hermione stood busy at her pastry again.
"Mr. Geoffrey," said she at last, "I want to thank you for watching over my boy. Arthur told me how good you were to him while I was away. I want you to know how grateful I am—"
"What beautiful hands you have, Hermione—and I shall dream of your arms."
"My arms?" she repeated, staring.
"They're so—smooth and white—"
"Oh, that's flour!" said she, bending over the table.
"And so—round—"
"Oh, Mr. Geoffrey! Can't you find something else to talk about?"