Nevertheless, as a preliminary to our purpose, you will serve our needs equally well.

May we not come in ?" Capella was faced with difficult alternatives.

He must either be discourteous to two gentlemanly strangers, one of them his wife's relative, or admit them with some show of politeness.

An Italian may be rude, he can never be _gauche_.

Having decided, Capella ushered them into the library with quick transition to dignified ease.
He asked if he might ring for any refreshments.