At one point, when Mr. McCain offered drinks to his guests, he went out of his way to offer Mr. Romney, a Mormon who does not drink alcohol, a coffee (apparently not realizing that Mormons eschew caffeine as well), said an aide who was told of the encounter later. But the aide said that the gesture seemed appreciated nonetheless… Several Republican consultants said privately that they doubted Mr. McCain — and especially some of his staff — had really overcome their dislike for Mr. Romney, and suggested that if Mr. Romney joined the ticket it would reflect calculation, not affection. Others were less sure of the state of play between the two men.