It was not the gruff interrogation of one who would not have his retirement invaded, nor his own thoughts interrupted, but a kindly invitation to open their minds to Him.
"The Expositor's Bible: The Gospel of St. John, Vol. I"
Marcus Dods
And then her father's gruff voice broke in: They were out when my wife called on them; but Lady Barking wrote a note asking Patty over to dinner.
"Jane Oglander"
Marie Belloc Lowndes
Mrs. Wedge had told him of Annie Benton a dozen times already, but she made it a baker's dozen, and told him again of her simple history; of her popularity in the town, though the people all seemed to be shy of her, and of her gruff father, who, in Mrs. Wedge's opinion, would resent the appearance of a lover in the most alarming manner.
"The Mystery of the Locks"
Edgar Watson Howe