I sat down and warmed myself, but the warmth could not reach the lump of ice at my heart.

I sat and stared at the fire.

Allister was too much occupied with his book to take any heed of me.

All at once I felt a pair of little arms about my neck, and Davie was trying to climb upon my knees.

Instead of being comforted, however, I spoke very crossly, and sent him back to his bed whimpering.