Mrs.Armstrong's air of excitement was very much in evidence.

Her cheeks were red, her eyes sparkled, her manner animated.

Her landlord had never seen her look so young, or, for that matter, so happy.
Captain Sam began the conversation.

He, too, seemed to be in high good humor.
"Well, Jedidah Wilfred Shavin's'," he observed, facetiously, "what do you suppose I've got up my sleeve this mornin' ?" Jed laid down the chisel he was sharpening.
"Your arms, I presume likely," he drawled.
"Yes, I've got my arms and there's a fist at the end of each one of 'em.

Any more--er--flippity answers like that one and you're liable to think you're struck by lightnin'.