A great deal of John Murchison's character was there, in the way he held his pipe, his gentleness and patience, even the justice and repose and quiet strength of his nature.

He smoked and read the paper the unfailing double solace of his evenings.

I should have said that it was Mrs Murchison who talked.

She had the advantage of a free mind, only subconsciously occupied with her white wool and agile needles; and John had frequently to choose between her observations and the politics of the day.
"You saw Lorne's letter this morning, Father ?" John took his pipe out of his mouth.

"Yes," he said.
"He seems tremendously taken up with Wallingham.