Page:Carroll Rankin--Dandelion Cottage.djvu/321

 Rh  been able to take her mind off of her apron since she put it on. Mrs. Crane, this is our—our preserver, Mr. Black."

The guests bowed stiffly.

Jean began to wish that she could think of some way to break the ice. Both were jolly enough on ordinary occasions, but, seemingly, both had suddenly been stricken dumb. Perhaps dinner parties always affected grown persons that way, or perhaps the starch from Mabel's apron had proved contagious. Jean smiled at the thought Then she made another effort to promote sociability.

"Mrs. Crane," explained Jean, turning to Mr. Black who was nervously tearing the legs off of the father of the paper doll family, "is our very nicest neighbour. We like her just ever so much—everybody does. We've often told you, Mrs. Crane, how fond we are of Mr. Black. It was because you are our two very dearest friends that we invited you both"