A Han servant, his shaved head bowed, made his way across the huge expanse of green-blue carpet to the table, a heavily laden tray carried effortlessly in one hand.

The waiter's tray carried not only the Scotch but also a manila envelope with Willie's name on it.

Then they trooped out to the gazebo, with the host carrying a large tray and the guest carrying the cats and a cordless phone in a canvas tote bag.

Bread, mug, glass and tray the girl carried to some outer room, whence sounded a dull clatter of utensils.

The tray in her hands carried some of the crusty loaves for which she was famous around Emond's Field, as well as plates of pickles and cheese.