I hadn't been in the room five minutes, however, before I gave up all thought of offering assistance.

The people were plainly and even poorly dressed.

The man was in his shirt-sleeves, but he put on his coat immediately.

He had a kind of natural, quiet dignity and a subdued manner--the result of his trouble, no doubt.

We were in their little sitting-room or parlor, but the door into the kitchen, where they had been taking their meal, was open.