The Atom fixed her with a stony eye.
"I haven't touched them," said she.
Sarah collapsed in dire confusion.
"I may wear short dresses," resumed the Atom, coldly, "my fam'ly is resisting about that,—but I am not a baby, Sarah Jane Jones."
Meekly and in awe, Sarah provided her with real work in the drying of cups and saucers and plates. The Atom unbent over her rubbing.
"Have you any brothers, Sarah?"
"Yes, miss, two."
"How old are they?"
"One's three and t'other four and a 'alf, miss."
"Have you any sisters, Sarah?"