He had kindled a wood fire in the stove, just for the sociability of it, and the crackle and glow behind the isinglass panes only served to remind him of other days and other fires.

The sitting room had not been lonesome then.
He heard the depot wagon rattle by and, peering from the window, saw that, except for Mr.Lumley, it was empty.

Not even a summer boarder had come to brighten our ways and lawns with reckless raiment and the newest slang.

Summer boarding season was almost over now.

Bayport would soon be as dull as dish water.