"Hello, Mayme. What'd you run for?" he said.
He had crossed the room and seized the girl's hand. She flashed a rebuke at him, though it was evident that the rebuke was more out of deference to the strange presence of Marley than for any real resentment she felt.
"This is my friend, Mr. Marley, Miss Carter," Lawrence said. "You've heard me speak of him."
Marley edged away from the what-not, rose and took the hand the girl gave him. Then Miss Carter crossed to the black haircloth sofa and seated herself, smoothing out her skirts.
"Didn't know what to do, so we thought we'd come out and see you," said Lawrence.
"Oh, indeed!" said Miss Carter. "Well, it's too bad about you. We'll do when you can't find anybody else to put up with you, eh?"
"Oh, yes, you'll do in a pinch," chaffed Lawrence.
"Well, can't you find a comfortable seat?" the girl asked, still addressing Lawrence, who had gone back to the piano stool.
"I'm going to play in a minute," said Lawrence, "and sing."
"Well, excuse _me_!" implored Miss Carter. "Do let me get you a seat."
Lawrence promptly went over to the sofa and leaned back in one corner of it, affecting a discomfort.
"Can't I get you a pillow, Mr. Lawrence?" Miss Carter asked presently. "Or perhaps a cot; I believe there's one somewhere in the attic."
"Oh, I reckon I can stand it," said Lawrence.
Marley had regained his seat on the edge of the slippery chair.
"Taking out her curl papers, eh?" said Lawrence. "She needn't mind us."
Miss Carter pretended a disgust, but as she was framing a retort, somehow, the eyes of all of them turned toward the hall door. A girl in a gown of white stood there clasping and unclasping her hands curiously, and looking from one to another of those in the room.
"Come in, Lavinia," said Miss Carter. Something had softened her voice. The girl stepped into the room almost timidly.
"Miss Blair," said Miss Carter, "let me introduce Mr. Marley."
The sudden consciousness that he had been sitting--and staring--smote Marley, and he sprang to his feet. Embarrassment overpowered him and he bowed awkwardly. Lawrence had been silent, and his silence had been a long one for him. Seeming to recognize this he hastened to say:
"Well, how's the world using you, Vinie?"