Ann, listening jealously to every word, could take no exception to one.

Solomon Wells was very mindful of the feelings of others.

He seemed at times to move with a sidewise motion of his very spirit to avoid hurting theirs.
After dwelling upon Abel Edwards's simple virtues, fairly dinning them like sweet notes into the memories of his neighbors, Solomon Wells, with a sweep of his black coat-skirts around him, sat down.
Then there was a solemn and somewhat awkward pause.

The people looked at each other; they did not know what to do next.

All the customary routine of a funeral was disturbed.