"Very likely the buildings will begin to dance around at your bidding.

With your admirable persuasive powers you ought to be able to do wonders with them in the matter of repairs.

Try it, at least.

But if they refuse to be repaired at your mere word, and you think something more substantial is needed, then come to me--perhaps I may help you." She bowed mockingly and vanished into the other room, closing the door behind her, leaving Calumet glaring into his plate.
For a moment there was a painful silence, which Malcolm broke by clearing his throat, his gaze on the tablecloth.
"Sometimes I think Betty's a little fresh," he said, apologetically.
"She's sorta sudden-like.

She hadn't ought to--" He looked up to see a malevolent scowl on Calumet's face, and he ducked by the narrowest of margins the heavy plate that flew from Calumet's hand.