it all happened so fast that it was only when she gasped , `` somebody take th ' ball , '' that the others leaped to her aid . did i really have the voice of an angel ? they nodded , but made no attempt to get up . `` as long as you straighten up . '' mike was the last one in . `` si , '' she said after polishing off her wine . i 'm not known for my patience or my kindness . '' i tried to laugh as i talked about jared . 