"He called once, he said." "Yes," said Carrie, "he was out here Sunday evening." "Was he ?" said Drouet.

"I thought from what he said that he had called a week or so ago." "So he did," answered Carrie, who was wholly unaware of what conversation her lovers might have held.

She was all at sea mentally, and fearful of some entanglement which might ensue from what she would answer.
"Oh, then he called twice ?" said Drouet, the first shade of misunderstanding showing in his face.
"Yes," said Carrie innocently, feeling now that Hurstwood must have mentioned but one call.
Drouet imagined that he must have misunderstood his friend.

He did not attach particular importance to the information, after all.
"What did he have to say ?" he queried, with slightly increased curiosity.
"He said he came because he thought I might be lonely.

You hadn't been in there so long he wondered what had become of you." "George is a fine fellow," said Drouet, rather gratified by his conception of the manager's interest.