There seemed to be a shadow over the house that evening, or perhaps it was that each party was thinking of his own affairs.

After supper old Silas Croft began talking about the political state of the country, which gave him uneasiness.
He said that he believed the Boers really meant to rebel against the Government this time.

Frank Muller had told him so, and he always knew what was going on.

This announcement did not tend to raise anybody's spirits, and the evening passed as silently as the meal had done.

At last Bessie got up, stretched her rounded arms, and said that she was tired and going to bed.
"Come into my room," she whispered to her sister as she passed.