I cannot doubt his authority.

My father and I have not been friendly, of late years.

He was a severe man, cold and unsympathetic, but I am sorry we could not have been reconciled before this awful fate overtook him.
However, it is now too late for vain regrets.

I tried not to disobey or antagonize my one parent, but he did not understand my nature, and perhaps I failed to understand his." He sighed, and rising from his chair walked to the window to conceal his emotion.
Uncle John remained silent, and presently Tommaso entered to notify them that dinner would be served in a half hour, and the Duke expected them to join him at the table.
The next morning Mr.Merrick bargained pleasantly with his jailer, who seemed not averse to discussing the matter at length; but no conclusion was reached.

Ferralti took no part in the conversation, but remained sullen and silent, and the Duke did not press him.
The day after, however, he insisted that he had dallied long enough, although after much argument on the part of his enforced guests he agreed to give them three days to decide, with the understanding that each day they delayed would add a goodly sum to their ransom.