There was a legend to the effect that Maria's people had been at one time immensely wealthy in Central America.
Maria turned again to her work.

Trina and Marcus watched her curiously.
There was a silence.

The corundum burr in McTeague's engine hummed in a prolonged monotone.

The canary bird chittered occasionally.

The room was warm, and the breathing of the five people in the narrow space made the air close and thick.