Miss Heredith mentally characterized his action as another instance of the modern decay of manners.

In her young days gentlemen always ceased playing when a lady entered the billiard room.

The middle-aged player came forward, cue in hand, and asked her if she wanted anything.
"I am looking for Phil," she said.

"I thought he was here." "He was, but he has just gone to the library.

He said he had some letters to write before dinner." "Thank you." Miss Heredith turned away and walked to the library which, like the billiard room, was on the ground floor.