Why did he hold his coat like that?
I sensed action, and the cold thrill animated me.
Miss Sampson's astonishment was succeeded by anger difficult to control.
"In the absence of my father I am mistress here.

I will not permit you to search my house." "Then I regret to say I must do so without your permission," he said sternly.
"Do not dare!" she flashed.

She stood erect, her bosom swelling, her eyes magnificently black with passion.

"How dare you intrude here?
Have you not insulted us enough?
To search my house to-night--to break up my party--oh, it's worse than outrage! Why on earth do you want to search here?
Ah, for the same reason you dragged a poor innocent man into my father's court! Sir, I forbid you to take another step into this house." Steele's face was bloodless now, and I wondered if it had to do with her scathing scorn or something that he hid with his hand closing his coat that way.
"Miss Sampson, I don't need warrants to search houses," he said.

"But this time I'll respect your command.