The man or woman who had been going in an easterly direction, faced east; and those who had been on the point of entering certain rooms, stood halting in the doorways with their backs to the court.
Unfortunately, he did not take note of all this, or give the poor pawns thus parading for his purpose more than a cursory glance.

When he did think, which was when he was halfway up the staircase, it was to look back upon a changed scene.

For with his going, interest had flagged and the tableau lost its pointedness.

No one had ventured as yet to leave his place, but all had turned their faces his way, and on many of these faces could be seen signs of fatigue if not of absolute impatience.

He had ordered them to stand and they had stood, but to be left there while he went above was certainly trying.