When his demeanor slid into business-like professionalism, it did much to blunt the shyness she felt from having just invited a nearly-complete stranger into her boudoir. But the relief was short lived --
"Oh! The tea!" she exclaimed, spinning on her heel and hurrying down the hall. She remembered herself just long enough to turn back around, wave toward her door, and say, "Please, go ahead, go ahead -- Oh, the tea!"
And then she was off again, to rescue the orange spice, which was by now far heavier than it should be. She could fix any tea, though; she had faith!!