She then moved about the room putting things in order.

Next she changed her dress and gave some careful attention to her personal appearance.

The cold pallor which had been on her face all the afternoon gave way to a faint tinge of color, her eyes lost their stony fixedness and became restless and alert.

But the trouble did not go out of her face or eyes; it was only more active in expression, more eager and expectant.
After all the changes in her toilette had been made, Mrs.Abercrombie sat down again, waiting and listening.

It was the general's usual time to come home from headquarters.