I can count the faint traces made by the chairs in the polish of the floor.

They were heavy men--most of the men of Albany are heavy, and now and then they moved restlessly, as they talked.

That was why they ground the chair legs against the polish, leaving there little traces which will be gone in another hour, but which are enough while they last to tell their tale.
"They moved so, now and then because their talk was of great importance.
They smoked also that they might think better over what they were saying.

A child could tell that, because smoke yet lingers in the room, although Caterina has opened the windows to let it out.

Some of it is left low down in the corners, and under the chairs now against the wall.
A little of the ash from their pipes has fallen on the table, showing that although Caterina has opened the windows she has not yet had time to clean the room.