It was only a brief sense of annoyance or discomfort, say five minutes lost in a busy day. Mrs. Thompson dismissed it from her mind. But Mr. Marsden brought it back again.
Towards closing time, when she was signing letters at the big bureau, he came behind the glass and entered her room.
"What is it?" said Mrs. Thompson, without looking up.
"Mrs. Thompson, I want to make an apology and a request."
At the sound of his voice she perceptibly started. His presence down here was unusual and unexpected.
"I have been making myself rather unhappy about what happened when you and Miss Thompson were in my department."
"Nothing happened," said Mrs. Thompson decisively.
"Oh, yes, ma'am, and I offer an apology for my mistake."
"Mr. Marsden," said Mrs. Thompson, with dignity, "there is not the slightest occasion for an apology. Please don't make mountains out of molehills."
"No—but I am in earnest. It is your own great kindness that led me to forget. And I confess that I did for a moment forget the immense difference of social station that lies between us. A shopman should never speak to his employer—much less his employer's relatives—in a tone implying the least friendliness or equality."