The coffer was open, and in it, scattered through certain divisions or partitions wrought in its own substance, was a scattering of black ashes.

Over all, sarcophagus, coffer and, indeed, all in the room, was a sort of black film of greasy soot.

I went over to the couch.

The white sheet still lay over part of it; but it had been thrown back, as might be when one is stepping out of bed.
But there was no sign of Queen Tera! I took Margaret by the hand and led her over.

She reluctantly left her father to whom she was administering, but she came docilely enough.