Bright as was the night, the air carried an edge.

Mr.Touris, standing by the fire, warmed himself and took snuff.

Strickland, who had left the hall, returned and placed her embroidery frame for Mrs.Jardine.
"Is Alexander in yet ?" "Not yet." She began to work in cross-stitch upon a wreath of tulips and roses.
The tutor took his book and withdrew to the table and the candles thereon.

The laird came and dropped his great form upon the settle.

He held silence a few moments, then began to speak.
"I am fifty years old.