She was late, and she knew that the instant she entered the room she would feel that unfriendly atmosphere rushing to meet her like a great black wave.

Finally, with an effort, she turned the door-handle and went in.
For once Lady Gertrude refrained from comment upon her lack of punctuality.

She seemed preoccupied and, to judge from the pinched closing of her lips, her thoughts were anything but pleasing, while Roger was in the sullen, rather impenetrable mood which Nan had learned to recognise as a sign of storm.

He hardly spoke at all, and then only to fling out one or two curt remarks in connection with estate matters.
Immediately breakfast was at an end he rose from the table, remarking that he should not be in for lunch, and left the room.
Lady Gertrude looked up from her morning's letters.
"I suppose he's riding over to Berry Farm--the tenant wants some repairs done.

He ought to take a few sandwiches with him if he won't be here for lunch." Isobel jumped up from her seat.
"I'll see that he does," she said quickly, and went out of the room in search of him.