He distrusted any first impression.

It was the excuse of mediocrity, a sign of weakness.
Moreover, why shouldn't he meet Isidor G.Ingerman?
"Show him in," he said, almost gruffly, thus silencing shy intuition, as it were.

He threw the card on the table.
Mr.Ingerman entered.

He did not offer any conventional greeting, but nodded, or bowed.

Grant could not be sure which form of salutation was intended, because the visitor promptly sat down, uninvited.
Minnie hesitated at the door.