But when he did there was no transfixing possible.

He said quite coolly: "Oh, it's you, is it?
I thought it was one of my office boys.

Sit down, if you want to see me, and wait till I am ready." So I sat down and waited.

Father always said that I should try to conciliate and please my uncle.

Father is a very shrewd man, and Uncle Roger is a very rich one.
But I don't think Uncle R--- is as shrewd as he thinks he is.