Sometimes she read, but most often sat in prolonged brooding, heedless of the hours.
Her father was now constantly away from home.

He told her that he travelled on business.

It scarcely seemed to be a relief to him to rest awhile in his chair; indeed, Paul had grown incapable of resting.

Time was deepening the lines of anxiety on his sallow face.

His mind seemed for ever racked with painful calculation.