Though Mr.Fairfield and Channing both were consumed with merriment at the idea of their rusty souls, the Blaneys were quite in earnest and proceeded to dilate on their favourite subjects.
"Once under the influence of our atmosphere and our beliefs," avowed Blaney, "your soul expands and flowers out like a star!" "Oh, how beautiful!" breathed Chick, with such a rapt expression, that Patty had to put up her napkin quickly to hide her smile.
"Yes," said Alla, "my brother says wonderful things.

His own soul is ineffably sweet." "It must be!" and Chick looked at Blaney with an adoring gaze that nearly sent Nan into convulsions.
Patty was scared, for if Chick kept this up the Blaneys must realise his intent and would be mortally offended.
"How near Christmas is getting," she interrupted, blithely, determined to change the subject.

"Have you all your gifts ready, Alla ?" "Patty," said Chick, reprovingly, "how can you introduce commonplace subjects just now?
I'm learning to remove rust stains from my dingy old soul.

By the way, how would it do to scour one's soul with the sands of time ?" "Beautiful!" cried Sam.

"Wonderful! What imagery! I wish I had said that!" "You may, as often as you like," granted Chick, politely.