The servant appeared with the hat and coat, and then, still as on the morning of an execution, when the condemned, I believe, is offered a breakfast, Mrs.
Fyne, anxious that the white-faced girl should swallow something warm (if she could) before leaving her house for an interminable drive through raw cold air in a damp four-wheeler--Mrs.Fyne broke the awful silence: "You really must try to eat something," in her best resolute manner.

She turned to the "odious person" with the same determination.

"Perhaps you will sit down and have a cup of coffee, too." The worthy "employer of labour" sat down.

He might have been awed by Mrs.Fyne's peremptory manner--for she did not think of conciliating him then.

He sat down, provisionally, like a man who finds himself much against his will in doubtful company.