Whether by accident or design, she took an upright chair, and sat upon it in a stiff attitude.

Finding it difficult to suspect Rhoda of shyness, Miss Barfoot once or twice glanced at her with curiosity.
For settled conversation there was no time; a servant announced dinner almost immediately.
'There shall be no forms, cousin Everard,' said the hostess.

'Please to follow us.' Doing so, Everard examined Miss Nunn's figure, which in its way was strong and shapely as his own.

A motion of his lips indicated amused approval, but at once he commanded himself, and entered the dining-room with exemplary gravity.

Naturally, he sat opposite Rhoda, and his eyes often skimmed her face; when she spoke, which was very seldom, he gazed at her with close attention.
During the first part of the meal, Miss Barfoot questioned her relative concerning his Oriental experiences.