We tried to be at our ease during breakfast, and to talk naturally; but the effort was a miserable failure.

She never spoke, except when directly addressed, and ate nothing.

She sat down to the piano, as usual, after breakfast, and practised steadily for two hours.

Then she took her hat and a book, and went out to the garden to read.

At luncheon-time she returned, with no better appetite, and after that went up to Mr.Richards' room.