The grim patriarch became humble under the spell of her white beauty.

He fingered his hat nervously.

To Ambrose Colina said with subtle scorn meant for his ear alone: "What is it ?" Ambrose screwed down the clamps of self-control.

"I asked for you," he said stolidly, "because I did not know if your father was well enough to talk business.

May I see him for five minutes ?" "No," she said, without condescending to explain.
"Then I will tell you," said Ambrose.