It smells like a hospital ward.

Come outside." Despite the unvarying sweet smoothness of his diction, he spoke as if giving orders to a servant.

But apparently neither of the two Standishes resented his dictation.

For Brice could hear them follow Hade out of the house.

And from the veranda presently came the booming murmur of Standish's voice in a recital of some kind.
Gavin reopened his bedroom door and entered.