He looked and stammered.

Mrs.Wyeth was surprised and shocked.
"Samuel," she said sharply, "what is the matter with you?
Why don't you speak and not stand there staring ?" Sam, with an effort, recovered some of his self-possession.
"Was I staring ?" he said.

"I beg your pardon, Cousin Emily.

Er--How do you do, Miss Lathrop ?" Mrs.Wyeth sniffed.
"Mercy!" she exclaimed.

"Is your acquaintance as formal as that?
I thought you knew each other.