It was ten minutes to seven.
A high wind was blowing, the first of the equinoctial gales heralding the spring.

The sound of the wind in the great chimney was like the moaning of high rigging at sea.
The door opened and Steinmetz came in.

Etta's face hardened, her lips closed with a snap.

Steinmetz looked at her and at Maggie.

For once he seemed to have no pleasantry ready for use.