He felt he had not been tactful, but he was very tired, and if he ventured an explanation might make things worse.

Besides, he must get up at four o'clock next morning.
Helen sat still for some time, looking out on the prairie.

She was beginning to feel daunted by its loneliness.

Except for Sadie Charnock, visitors seldom came to the farm.

Her neighbors lived at some distance, but she had hoped to plan a round of small reunions that would break the monotony.