"The effect by this light is simply perfect.

Why didn't I bring my sketch-book with me?
I might have stolen some little memorial of it, in Mr.Keller's absence." She turned towards me when she said that.
"If you can do without colors," I suggested, "we have paper and pencils in the house." The clock in the corridor struck the hour.
Mr.Engelman looked uneasy, and got up from his chair.

His action suggested that the time had passed by us unperceived, and that Mr.
Keller's return might take place at any moment.

The same impression was evidently produced on Minna.

For once in her life, the widow's quick perception seemed to have deserted her.