So, you see, things might be worse." He spoke in his wonted lazily pleasant drawl, and with no trace of excitement.

Yet he was studying the big man in front of him, with covert closeness.

And the wholly uncomprehending aspect of Milo's face, at mention of the snakes and the possible murder charge, completed Brice's faith in Standish's innocence of the trick's worst features.
Claire had seized her brother's hand and was drawing the dumfounded Milo after her into the hallway.

And as she went she burst forth vehemently into the story of Brice's afternoon adventures.

Her words fairly fell over one another, in her indignant eagerness.