The trader held forth amiably upon the weather and crops.

They paused.
"Sit down for a moment," said Gaviller.

"I have something particular to say to you." Ambrose suspected what was coming.

But humming with happiness like a top as he was, he could not feel greatly concerned.
Still in the same calm, polite voice Gaviller said: "I confess I was astonished at your assurance in coming to my house." This was a frank declaration of war.

Ambrose, steeling himself, replied warily: "I did not come on business." "What did you come for ?" Ambrose did not feel obliged to be as frank with father as with daughter.