He looked at Bland casually, looked again quickly, pursing his lips.

Whereupon his poker face hid what he thought.
"Dad, come back into the house and talk to Bland Halliday.

He told me the strangest story about Johnny, and--and I wish you'd just talk to him and see if it's true." Mary V was not altogether without consideration for the feelings of another, but candor was the keynote of her nature, and she was very much perturbed, and she did not really feel that a fellow like Bland Halliday had any feelings to consider.
Sudden smoothed a smile off his mouth.

"Well, now, this is very thoughtful of you; very thoughtful.

I appreciate your coming to consult me before you have settled the whole thing yourself.