Gavin had turned toward him and was babbling a torrent of apology for his own awkwardness.

Milo was glumly silent as the contrite words beat about his ears.

But Claire, shamed by her brother's ungraciousness, spoke up courteously to relieve the visitor's dire embarrassment.
"Please don't be unhappy about it.

Mr.Brice," she begged.
"It was just an accident.

It couldn't be helped.