Words could not have declared his trouble more plainly than the haggard features and stiff, depressed, self-conscious manner.

He fixed his sunken eyes upon the visitor, and smiled, as was plain, only for civility's sake.

Rhoda did her best to seem at ease; she explained (standing, for he forgot to ask her to be seated) that she was going away on the morrow, and had hoped to see Mrs.Widdowson, who, she was told, had not been very well of late.
'No, she is not in very good health,' said Widdowson vaguely.

'She has gone this afternoon to Mrs.Cosgrove's--I think you know her.' Less encouragement to remain could not have been offered, but Rhoda conceived a hope of hearing something significant if she persevered in conversation.

The awkwardness of doing so was indifferent to her.
'Shall you be leaving town shortly, Mr.Widdowson ?' 'We are not quite sure--But pray sit down, Miss Nunn.