Apparently, however, he did not intend to withdraw.
Mollie June crouched frightened in her chair, but Merriam was rapidly pulling himself together.
"It is I who should apologise for keeping you waiting, Mayor Black," he said. "I will ask Mrs. Norman to excuse us. Will you step into the next room for a few minutes, Mollie June? We shall not be long."
He went back to her chair and held out his hand.
She took it and rose. Her spirit, too, was reasserting itself. She faced the Mayor with a smile:
"Good evening, Mr. Black."
"Good evening, Mrs. Norman." He bowed gallantly. "I am very sorry----"
"Oh," she cried lightly, one would have said happily, "business is business, I know." Then to Merriam: "You won't belong?"
"Only a minute--dear."
(Perhaps we can hardly blame him for profiting by the license his rôle gave him to address her so.)