She was aware that Ethel took what could best be described as an unsympathetic interest in her affairs, but the sudden reference to Bland threw her off her guard.
"No," she said.

"Though you have met him, I didn't think you knew him well." "I believe it's chiefly a business visit.

Stephen, you know, has some reputation as a commercial lawyer, and Bland couldn't arrange to see him in town.

Anyway, he should be here soon." Bland arrived half an hour later, but was unable to do more than shake hands with Sylvia before West took him away to another room.

It was some time before they returned; and then West kept the party engaged in general conversation until it broke up.
"I'll walk down the road with you," he said to Mrs.Lansing, and afterward turned to Bland.