He had authority, and again I felt his power.
"Steele to see me.

Did he state his business ?" "No, sir." I replied.
"Russ, say I'm not at home," said Sampson presently, bending over to relight his pipe.
I went out.

Someone slammed the door behind me.
As I strode back across the porch my mind worked swiftly; the machinery had been idle for a while and was now started.
"Mr.Steele," I said, "Colonel Sampson says he's not at home.

Tell your business to his daughter." Without waiting to see the effect of my taking so much upon myself, I knocked upon the parlor door.

Miss Sampson opened it.