'How is it to be ?' said Michel to his niece the next morning.

The question was asked downstairs in the little room, while Urmand was sitting at table in the chamber above waiting for the landlord.
Michel Voss had begun to feel that his visitor would be very heavy on hand, having come there as a visitor and not as a man of business, unless he could be handed over to the woman-kind.

But no such handing over would be possible, unless Marie would acquiesce.
'How is it to be ?' Michel asked.

He had so prepared himself that he was ready in accordance with a word or a look from his niece either to be very angry, thoroughly imperious, and resolute to have his way with the dependent girl, or else to be all smiles, and kindness, and confidence, and affection.

There was nothing she should not have, if she would only be amenable to reason.
'How is what to be, Uncle Michel ?' said Marie.
The landlord thought that he discovered an indication of concession in his niece's voice, and began immediately to adapt himself to the softer courses.