There was some constraint on the part of the young men.

They agreed that, should the celebrity remain, he would become the center of attraction at once, and all the bright things they had brought for the dazzlement of Patty would have to pass unsaid.
To youth, every new-corner is a possible rival; he wouldn't be human if he didn't believe that each man who comes along is simply bound to fall in love with the very girl HE has his eyes on.
On the other hand, the young girls regretted that the great dramatist wasn't going to sit beside them.

There is a strange glamour about these men and women who talk or write to us from over the footlights.
As Warrington disappeared into the hallway, the murmur and frequent laughter was resumed.
Mrs.Bennington was very glad to see him.

She laid aside her book and made room for him on the divan.

They talked about the weather, the changes that had taken place since the fall, a scrap of foreign travel of mutual interest, each hoping that the other would be first to broach the subject most vital to both.