14/15 She handled the delft cups and platters with an exaggerated solicitude, as though they were glass bombs. She brushed the crumbs into their laps instead of into the crumb-tray, and at last, when she had sat even Travis' placid nerves in a jangle, was dismissed to the kitchen, and retired with a gasp of unspeakable relief. Snooky jumped up and pushed back, crying out: "I'll go! I'll go!" Mr.Bessemer glanced nervously at Travis. "That's Mr.Rivers, isn't it, daughter ?" Travis smiled. "Well, I think I'll--I think I'd better--" he began. |