He instantly rose and made her a
ceremonious bow, thus again indicating that their past relations
should be completely ignored in the presence of others. She
therefore gravely returned his salutation and took her place without
a word, but her high color did not suggest indifference to the
situation. Mr. Baron went through the formal "grace" as usual and
then said, "Ahem! you will admit, sir, that it is a little
embarrassing to know just how to entertain one with whom we have
some slight difference of opinion."
"Perhaps such embarrassment will be removed if we all speak our
minds freely," replied Scoville, pleasantly. "Pardon the suggestion,
but the occasion appears to me favorable to a frank and interesting
exchange of views. If my way of thinking were wholly in accord with
yours my words could be little better than echoes. I should be glad
to feel that my presence was no restraint whatever."
"I'm inclined to think you are right, sir," added Mrs. Whately. "It
would be mere affectation on our part to disguise our thoughts and
feelings.
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