He glanced round the room.
"Fetch me that chair, my boy," he said, not unkindly, and Cosmo hastened to substitute the one he indicated.

The laird placed a tall screen behind it.

His lordship dropped into the chair, and began to rub his knees with his hands, and gaze into the fire.

Lady Joan rearranged her skirts, and for a moment the little circle looked as if each was about to settle down to some mild enjoyment of the others.

Cosmo drew a chair as near Lady Joan as he judged politeness would permit.