I had hardly reached this decision when the door opened, and he stood there gazing at me with sphinx-like stupidity.

I arose to my feet, gripping the back of a chair, but the utter vacancy in that face seemed to numb action.

There was no positive expression, no dim glimmer of interest in his features; the shining bald head alone gave him a grotesque appearance, restraining me from violence.

I could as easily have warred with a baby.
"I trust, sir, you slept well," he said soothingly, "and that the service is satisfactory." I choked back my indignation, the quiet deference of his manner causing me to feel like a brute.
"Nothing could be added to my happiness," I answered, "unless it might be a little information which you seem disinclined to furnish." He waved one hand, as though brushing calmly aside some imagined insect.
"Disinclined?
Oh, no, sir; there is nothing to conceal, sir, I assure you." "Then, for God's sake, let it out of your system, man!" I burst forth impatiently.

"Whom am I a prisoner to?
What am I held for?
What sort of treatment is this I am receiving ?" Peter bowed, without the tremor of an eyelash.
"Do not mention it, sir," he murmured smoothly; "we are only too proud to have you as our guest at Elmhurst.