Two straight-backed, leather-covered chairs stood one on either side of the tiled hearth.

Near one stood a little table covered with neatly-arranged books, and, rising from among them, a reading-lamp, as yet unlit.

Beyond the other was a work-table strewed with reels and scissors, on which lay a child's frock and some stockings.

The table was laid for tea.

On it were plates piled up with floury scones, delicate beleek saucers full of butter patted thin into the shapes of shells, and jam in coloured glass dishes cased in silver filigree.