Nora, by reason of her authority in position, was entitled to wear a costume of white, whereas the waiters of lower rank were obliged by house rules to attire themselves in dark skirts.

To Sam's eyes, therefore, Nora, arrayed in this distinguishing garb, appeared at once the more fair and the more unapproachable.

As she sat, the light glinting upon her glasses, her chin well upheld, her whole attitude austere and commanding, Sam felt his courage sink lower and lower, until he became abject and abased.
Fascinated none the less, he gazed, until Curly poked him sharply and remarked: "Which 'un you goin' to make a break fer, Sam ?" "I--I d-d-don't know," said Sam, startled and disturbed.
"Reckon you'd like to mingle some with Nory, hey ?" "W-w-w-well--" began Sam defensively.
"But she don't see it that way.

Not in a hundred.

Why, she'll be dancin' with Cap Franklin, or Batty, er some folks that's more in her line, you see.