He had good shoulders and good colour, and the eyes, nose, and chin of a man it would be a stupid thing to attempt to deal with in a blackguardly manner.

He sat down in his chair by the fire and began to chat, as was his habit before he and his wife parted to dress for dinner.

When he was out during the day he often looked forward to these chats, and made notes of things he would like to tell his Mary.
During her day, which was given to feminine duties and pleasures, she frequently did the same thing.

Between seven and eight in the evening they had delightful conversational opportunities.

He picked up her book and glanced it over, he asked her a few questions and answered a few; but she saw it was with a somewhat preoccupied manner.