He tossed his hat on a chair and turned to the couple.
"Mr.Baird, shake hands with my friend Merton Gill.

His stage name is Clifford Armytage." "Very pleased to meet you," said Merton, grasping the extended hand.
He hoped he had not been too dignified, too condescending.

Baird would sometime doubtless know that he did not approve of those so-called comedies, but for the present he must demean himself to pay back some money borrowed from a working girl.
"Delighted," said Baird; then he bent a suddenly troubled gaze upon the Gill lineaments.

He held this a long moment, breaking it only with a sudden dramatic turning to Miss Montague.
"What's this, my child?
You're playing tricks on the old man." Again he incredulously scanned the face of Merton.

"Who is this man ?" he demanded.
"I told you, he's Merton Gill from Gushwomp, Ohio," said the girl, looking pleased and expectant.
"Simsbury, Illinois," put in Merton quickly, wishing the girl could be better at remembering names.
Baird at last seemed to be convinced.