“How I wanted to come and meet you,” said the man, holding out a begrimed hand eagerly. “But you know my hand must be on the lever always.”
“Ah,” said Sidney, “I felt your welcome even before I saw you, and when I saw you formalities were discounted.”
The man looked at him, a shade of awe solemnizing the gladness of his face.
“There are some things which almost frighten one,” he said. “Do you know that all day long I have been thinking of you, remembering the lectures you used to give us at the Shelley Club and wondering if I should ever, ever hear from you again?”
“And now I am here!” said Sidney.
“Yes,” said the man, looking at him lovingly. “And it is so good to see you.”
In the midst of his happiness Sidney remembered to say “And how does the Shelley Club progress? Are you president yet?” The man shifted his feet awkwardly.
“Yes, I am,” he said.
“Ah, the right man in the right place,” said Sidney cordially. “So the club goes on?”