"I had not quite expected--I--find--find myself a little
unprepared." He was without collar and cravat, owing to Marcus
Schouler's precipitate haste. He was annoyed beyond words that Miss
Baker saw him thus. Could anything be more embarrassing?
Old Grannis was introduced to Mrs. Sieppe and to Trina as Marcus's
employer. They shook hands solemnly.
"I don't believe that he an' Miss Baker have ever been introduced,"
cried Maria Macapa, shrilly, "an' they've been livin' side by side for
years."
The two old people were speechless, avoiding each other's gaze. It had
come at last; they were to know each other, to talk together, to touch
each other's hands.
Marcus brought Old Grannis around the table to little Miss Baker,
dragging him by the coat sleeve, exclaiming: "Well, I thought you two
people knew each other long ago. Miss Baker, this is Mr. Grannis; Mr.
Grannis, this is Miss Baker." Neither spoke. Like two little children
they faced each other, awkward, constrained, tongue-tied with
embarrassment. Then Miss Baker put out her hand shyly. Old Grannis
touched it for an instant and let it fall.
"Now you know each other," cried Marcus, "and it's about time." For the
first time their eyes met; Old Grannis trembled a little, putting his
hand uncertainly to his chin.
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