"He's the sourest, crabbedest old bachelor in the world--except myself." Again her laugh bubbled out--a catching, spontaneous kind of laugh, as if there were plenty more packed away behind her lips ready to break loose whenever they found an opening.
"Then, Major, you shall have two lumps to sweeten you up," and down went the sugar-tongs into the silver bowl.
Here young Breen leaned forward and lifted the bowl nearer to her hand, while I waited for my cup.

He had not left her side since Miss Felicia had presented him, so Peter told me afterward.

I had evidently interrupted a conversation, for his eyes were still fastened upon hers, drinking in her every word and movement.
"And is sugar your cure for disagreeable people, Miss MacFarlane ?" I heard him ask under his breath as I stood sipping my tea.
"That depends on how disagreeable they are," she answered.

This came with a look from beneath her eyelids.
"I must be all right, then, for you only gave me one lump--" still under his breath.
"Only one! I made a mistake--" Eyes looking straight into Jack's, with a merry twinkle gathering around their corners.
"Perhaps I don't need any at all." "Yes, I'm sure you do.

Here--hold your cup, sir; I'll fill it full." "No, I'm going to wait and see what effect one lump has.