For once, he was taken honestly aback.

The lost voice of youth and pride spoke in him.
"Why," he said, actually stammering, "how do you do ?" "How do you do ?" said Mrs.Vance, who could scarcely believe her eyes.
His great confusion she instantly perceived.

He did not know whether to invite her in or not.
"Is your wife at home ?" she inquired.
"No," he said, "Carrie's out; but won't you step in?
She'll be back shortly." "No-o," said Mrs.Vance, realizing the change of it all.

"I'm really very much in a hurry.

I thought I'd just run up and look in, but I couldn't stay.