She went at once, and found him seated on a sofa, which stood close along the bookshelves on one side of the room.

The table had already been cleared, and he was alone.

He not only was alone, but had not even a pamphlet or newspaper in his hand.
Then she knew that Tregear must have told the story.

As this occurred to her, her legs almost gave way under her.

"Come and sit down, Mary," he said, pointing to the seat on the sofa beside himself.
She sat down and took one of his hands within her own.