Nothingcouldhavebeenmorehorriblyconstrained，moreawkward。Thetwooldpeoplesufferedveritabletorture。
WhenMariahadgone，eachheavedasighofunspeakablerelief。Softlytheypushedtotheirdoors，leavingopenaspaceofhalfadozeninches。OldGranniswentbacktohisbinding。MissBakerbrewedacupofteatoquiethernerves。Eachtriedtoregaintheircomposure，butinvain。
OldGrannis’sfingerstrembledsothatheprickedthemwithhisneedle。MissBakerdroppedherspoontwice。Theirnervousnesswouldnotwearoff。Theywereperturbed，upset。
Inaword，theafternoonwasspoiled。
Mariawentonabouttheflatfromroomtoroom。ShehadalreadypaidMarcusSchouleravisitearlythatmorningbeforehehadgoneout。Marcushadswornather，excitedlyvociferating；“No，bydamn！No，hehadn’tathingforher；