Open warfare was, after all, so much better.

An _amende_ so complete left him with no alternative save acquiescence.

Even while he was coming to this somewhat unwelcome decision, the telephone bell rang.
He took off the receiver and was instantly galvanised into attention.

It was Josephine speaking.
"Is that Mr.Wingate ?" she asked.
"It is," he admitted.

"Good morning--Josephine!" "Quite right," she answered composedly.