The way that Scout's actions had dispelled the tension in the room is by introducing himself to a man he had once known and then explaining how the two had met and an encounter he had with his son. As Scout had approached Mr. Cunningham he introduced himself as Jean Louise Finch and when she did introduce himself Scout had thought maybe he forgot who she was or didn't know him after all but then Scout began to mention Mr. Cunningham's son and had asked him if it was his son. After that Mr. Cunningham noded towards Scout which must have given Scout the feeling that maybe he does know her. As Scout kept talking to Mr. Cunningham about his son she mentioned a sentenced which really didn't seem to shock Mr. Cunningham even though Scout thought
