Once arrived before the stone steps, he foolishly dismissed his driver, mounted and rang, gave the butler three cards, and was ushered into a small reception room.
Presently a tall lean figure appeared, holding the cards close to his dark blue eyes.
“You are not welcome in this house, Mr. Mahan.”
Marvin rose, and stood at attention.
“I am sorry, Mr. Ferry. What I wish to know is whether I am unwelcome to Miss Gratia.”
“You will not see Gratia.”
“Your daughter is of age, sir. I shall certainly see her, and I shall certainly do myself the honor of asking her to become my wife.”
“You will do nothing of the sort. But I am sorry that you have lost a hand, and I’ll not deny that you look well in your uniform. I don’t take much stock in uniforms, but I don’t wonder that the girls like to look at you.”
Marvin lifted his military cap and settled it on his head.
“What you say concerning your country’s uniform is of small weight. Open the door for it.”