He dealt in monosyllables, and either laboured to change the subject or made some excuse for leaving me.

This behaviour, though it occasioned surprise, was never very deeply reflected on.

My father was old, and the mournful impressions which were made upon him by the death of his wife, the lapse of almost half a year seemed scarcely to have weakened.

Betty had chosen her partner, and I was in daily expectation of receiving a summons to the wedding.
One afternoon this girl dressed herself in the gayest manner and seemed making preparations for some momentous ceremony.

My father had directed me to put the horse to the chaise.