shoulder.

"Mister Connolly," said she, "for harsh words spoke in haste I craves
now your pardon, an' I craves it--humble. Am I forgive?"

The Spider, flushing redder than ever, rose to his feet, seized her
hand, shook it, and muttered: "Sure!"

When the table was laid, the Old Un proposed, and was duly seconded,
thirded, and fourthed, that Mrs. Trapes be elected into the chair to
pour out the tea, which she proceeded to do forthwith, while the Old Un,
seated at her right hand, kept a wary eye roving between jam dish and
angel cake. And by reason of the unwonted graciousness of Mrs. Trapes,
of Ravenslee's tact and easy assurance, and the Old Un's impish
hilarity, all diffidence and restraint were banished, and good
fellowship reigned supreme, though the Spider was interrupted in the
midst of a story by the Old Un suddenly exclaiming:

"Keep your hand out o' the jam, Joe!"

And Joe was later rendered speechless, hard-breathing, and indignant, by
the Old Un turning to Mrs. Trapes with the shrill warning:

"Ma'am, Joe's 'ad two 'elpin's o' cake an' got 'is 'orrid eye on what
remains!"

Nevertheless, the meal was in all ways a success, and Ravenslee was
reaching for his pipe when Mrs. Trapes, summoned to the front door by a
feverish knocking, presently came back followed by Tony, whose bright
eyes looked wider than usual as he saluted the company.