The old man walked straight up to the table, without any preliminary greeting, and looked across it at the three women, with a stern pity for them in his ragged, wrinkled face.
"Bad news," he said.

"I am an enemy to all unnecessary suspense.
Plainness is kindness in such a case as this.

I mean to be kind--and I tell you plainly--bad news." Mr.Pendril followed him.

He shook hands, in silence, with Miss Garth and the two sisters, and took a seat near them.

Mr.Clare placed himself apart on a chair by the window.