'Mind there's a pram at the foot of the stairs.' The perambulator was avoided successfully by both, and they ascended the bare boards of the staircase.

On each landing prevailed a distinct odour; first came the damp smell of newly-washed clothes, then the scent of fried onions, then the workroom of some small craftsman exhaled varnish.

The topmost floor seemed the purest; it was only stuffy.
Richard entered an uncarpeted room which had to serve too many distinct purposes to allow of its being orderly in appearance.

In one corner was a bed, where two little children lay asleep; before the window stood a sewing-machine, about which was heaped a quantity of linen; a table in the midst was half covered with a cloth, on which was placed a loaf and butter, the other half being piled with several dresses requiring the needle.

Two black patches on the low ceiling showed in what positions the lamp stood by turns.
Emma's eldest sister was moving about the room.