She hesitated, flushed and more timidly, yet as one who is compelled, begged for the task of setting the table herself.

"For you know, Esther, the sprigged tea-set is so hurt if any one but me arranges it.

Yes, of course, it is only a fancy, I know that.

But the sprigged tea-set does feel so badly if I neglect it.

All the pink in it fades quite out.