Aaron, standing in the background, felt the whole scene strange, childish, a little touching.

And Lady Franks was so obviously trying to _console_ her husband: to console the frail, excitable old man with his honours.
But why console him?
Did he need consolation?
And did she?
It was evident that only the hard-money woman in her put any price on the decorations.
Aaron came forward and examined the orders, one after the other.

Just metal playthings of curious shiny silver and gilt and enamel.

Heavy the British one--but only like some heavy buckle, a piece of metal merely when one turned it over.

Somebody dropped the Italian cross, and there was a moment of horror.