"If they were sensible, I'm afraid you would not be interested," said John.
While they stood there, serenely hugging and patting, a group of onlookers began to point and titter amongst themselves. What a scandal it was, two gentlemen obviously in one another's confidence, holding on like lovers. Such behavior was not appropriate for a gentleman and lady in a public hall, married or not!
John's hearing being so sharp, he noticed first. "Oh, look! We have an audience! Would you like to wave?" Then he frowned. Why did they stare as if something improper were going on?