At every move the coiled springs under him strained and snapped alarmingly.
"We don't often see jewelry peddlers," the mother announced; "but, sakes alive! things is changin' so fast we get a new surprise most every day.

I s'pose you got those rings in that valise ?" She indicated Gray's stout leather sample case.
"Precisely," said he.

"If you have time I'd like to show them to you." Mrs.Briskow's bent figure stirred, she uttered a throaty chuckle, and her weary face, lined with the marks of toil and hardship, flushed faintly.

Her misshapen hands tightly clasped themselves and her faded eyes began to sparkle.

Gray felt a warm thrill of compassion at the agitation of this kindly, worn old soul, and he rose quickly.