Esther had to economize her resources and a repast at seven would serve for both tea and supper.

Among the poor, combination meals are as common as combination beds and chests.

Esther had quieted Sarah by slapping Isaac, but as this made Isaac howl the gain was dubious.

She had to put a fresh piece of coal on the fire and sing to them while their shadows contorted themselves grotesquely on the beds and then upwards along the sloping walls, terminating with twisted necks on the ceiling.
Esther usually sang melancholy things in minor keys.

They seemed most attuned to the dim straggling room.