The ladies went about their work quietly and almost silently.

The constant anxiety and the confinement in the darkened rooms were telling upon them too.

Several of the children were ill; and when not employed in other things, there were fresh sandbags to be made by the women, to take the place of those damaged by the enemy's shot.
When, of an evening, a portion of the defenders came off duty, there was more talk and conversation, as all endeavored to keep up a good face and assume a confidence they were far from feeling.

The Doctor was perhaps the most cheery of the party.

During the daytime he was always on the roof, and his rifle seldom cracked in vain.