An amused sound escaped Jeannette. She was smiling broadly; she felt she had the situation well in hand.
“I’m sorry I startled you, Martin. I happened to be passing and I saw your name and thought I’d drop in.... How’ve you been after all these years?”
“Oh,—all right, I guess. Sure, I’ve been fine.... And you? I guess there’s no need of asking.”
“I’ve been quite well. I’m never sick. I came down to Philadelphia to attend a Book-Dealers’ Convention.... I’m stopping at the Bellevue.”
“Well—er, you going to be in town long?”
“Oh,—two or three days. I’m going back to New York Sunday, I guess. I think I can get away by that time.... This is a fine car you handle; its lines are really very beautiful.”
“It’s a good car, all right. I had a big year this year,—and last year, too.”
“Well, that’s good; I’m glad to hear it.... I never heard of the Parrott before.”
“You didn’t? ... Well, we think we advertise a good deal. It ranks up among the best.... Are you—are you married or anything like that?”
Jeannette laughed richly.