He could be good company when he chose, and he chose on this morning.

It was not until coffee was set before them, and he had lighted a cigar, that he touched upon themselves, and then not with any paternal tone, but rather as one comrade conferring with another.

There, indeed, was his great advantage with Sylvia.

Her mother had either disregarded her or treated her as a child.

She could not but be won by a father who laid bare his plans to her and asked for her criticism as well as her assent.