The commotion in the hall falls off.
A couple of minutes later, the doors (which are set at opposite ends of the chamber) open almost at the same time.
Two parties enter; two well-dressed ladies on the right and a gentleman on the left, both parties including mailed bodyguards, scribes with writing tablets and valets.
The two women on the right show an obvious familial resemblance to Elissa Holbin, which is especially strong in the case of the younger and slimmer one.
ALFONSE , at least, will recognize her as
The older woman of the pair looks to be in her late thirties or early forties. Gray streaks run in her auburn hair, carefully arranged under a sheer veil of moth-gray lace. A gold ring gleams on her left hand.
The gentleman stalks into the room and looks about, his dark eyes seeming to soak in every detail. When he stares at the party, he fondles a stiletto.
His black and gray ensemble looks well tailored, fitting his long lean build. When he turns his saturnine face on the party, he fondles a dagger.
The matron speaks first.
"You abducted my daughter and burglarized my home. What have you to say about that?''
The maiden with her glowers at Alfonse in particular. She leans in to the older woman and whispers something.
The dark gentleman does not wait for the group to answer the woman's question.
"
Where is my son? If you have information about Richard and you are holding out..."
The chamber is now pretty crowded.
Gertie may catch glimpse of Gubbio wiping sweat from his face.
The retainers of each party glare at the other group, or else studiously ignore one another.
The watchman behave in a most deferential manner toward the gentleman and the two ladies.
Delight is to him- a far, far upward, and inward delight- who against the proud gods and commodores of this earth, ever stands forth his own inexorable self.
-from Moby Dick (Hermann Melville)