There was some mistake.
This creature had fallen here by error, while floating in search of some other world.
Astonished, as they might have been by the spectacle before them of the two rows of separated sex, all of whom gazed steadfastly in their direction; greeted by no welcoming hand, ushered to no convenient seat, these three faced the long, half-lit room in the full sense of what might have been called an awkward situation.

Yet they did not shuffle or cough, or talk one with another, or smile in anguish, as had others who thus faced the same ordeal.

Perhaps the older lady pressed the closer to the gentleman's side, while the younger placed her hand upon his shoulder; yet the three walked slowly, calmly, deliberately down into what must have been one of the most singular scenes hitherto witnessed in their lives.

The man did not forsake his companions to join the row of unfortunates.

As they reached the head of the social rank, where sat Mrs.McDermott, the wife of the section boss and _arbiter elegantiarum_ for all Ellisville, the gentleman bowed and spoke some few words, though obviously to a total stranger--a very stiff and suspicious stranger, who was too startled to reply.
The ladies bowed to the wife of the section boss and to the others as they came in turn.