Yet he said nothing and moved along very quietly, making, to all appearance, for his room.

Would he notice them as he went by?
It did not seem likely.
Instinctively they had stepped to one side, and Mr.Ransom's face was in the shadow.

To both it had seemed better not to accost him while he was in this mood.

They would see him later.
But this was not to be.

Some instinct made him turn, and Mr.Ransom, recognizing his opportunity, stepped forward and addressed him by the name under which he had introduced himself at the reception; that of his wife's family, Hazen.
The effect was startling.