What shall we do ?" "There's nothing you can do, but drive straight ahead and you and Robert speak to him," said Kate.

"Go fast, Robert." He touched the team and at fair speed they whirled past the white house, at the gate of which, stiffly erect, stood a brawny man of six feet six, his face ruddy and healthy in appearance.

He was dressed as he prepared himself to take a trip to pay his taxes, or to go to Court.
He stood squarely erect, with stern, forbidding face, looking directly at them.

Robert spoke to him, and Nancy Ellen leaned forward and waved, calling "Father," that she might be sure he knew her, but he gave not the slightest sign of recognition.

They carried away a distinct picture of him, at his best physically and in appearance; at his worst mentally.
"There you have it!" said Kate, bitterly.