"What is there to talk about ?" "Usually there's so much," she said sarcastically.
A few phrases dribbled out of the silence.

In vain Jim, tried to get Lilly to thaw, and in vain Tanny gave her digs at her husband.

Lilly's stiff, inscrutable face did not change, he was polite and aloof.

So they all went to bed.
In the morning, the walk was to take place, as arranged, Lilly and Tanny accompanying Jim to the third station across country.

The morning was lovely, the country beautiful.