"Clara," said Stephen, his tone modest and submissive. Although he was the authoritative Chief Secretary before others, he could never be strict before his daughter. "You haven't dined, have you? Come, let daddy eat with you!"

"Forget it! Mr. Harlow, you have a wife and daughter at home. Go back and accompany them!"

"Clara!" Stephen reached out to take my hand. "Just dine with daddy, please!"

"Let go!" I tried to shake his hand off. But Stephen held too tight; I couldn't dislodge it. "Mr. ...