His mother sat staring at them in turn.

Kate recovered first.
"Please excuse me," she said.
She laid the letters on a small table and turned to go.

John caught his mother's hand closer, when he found himself holding it.
"If you know the young lady, Mother," he said, "why don't you introduce us ?" "Oh, I was so bewildered by your coming," she said.

"Kate, dear, let me present my son." Kate crossed the room, and looking straight into each other's eyes they shook hands and found chairs.
"How was your concert, my dear ?" asked Mrs.Jardine.
"I don't think it was very good," said Kate.

"Not at all up to my expectations.