About the supper table all gathered with the exception of Bud Mansie.

So they waited the meal and each from time to time stole a glance at the fifth plate where Bud should sit.
It was Jack who finally stirred herself from her dumb gloom to take up that fifth and carry it out of the room.

It was as if she had announced the death of Mansie.
After that, they ate what they could and then went back around the fire.

The evening waned, but it brought no sign of any of the missing three.

The wood burned low in the fire.