It got on my nerves--that little gap in the circle; that little space of white linen, bare of anything but two unfilled glasses.

To me it became as portentous as an unscrewed coffin lid.

No one else seemed to notice it.

Cigars had been passed round and the talk eddied casually back and forth with the twisty smoke wreaths.
An orderly drew the empty chair back with a thump.

I think I jumped.