The steward, in the doorway behind Alvar, nodded his head.

The steward nodded, pleased at having been brought into the conversation.

A uniformed steward met him in the vast entryway and, after hearing his name, nodded, gesturing.

Then the steward nodded in respect.

To Wulfgar's surprise, the old steward nodded and motioned toward the staircase.

The steward nodded solemnly and spoke, just as the doorbell clanged for a third time.

"That's fine with me," she said, and the steward nodded.

The fat steward nodded and beamed at the two women to make sure they appreciated the exquisite courtesy of my reply.

The steward nodded his head and turned away to report to the starter.

The steward fixed me with a glance, then nodded, and Zakharoff began introducing me to the other officers.