The books are worn, as though he had bought them to read.

Many of them are uncommon books, the titles of which we never saw before.

American literature is almost ignored, while Germany monopolizes many of the spaces.

We noticed the absence of theological works, save those of Thomas Chalmers, whose name and genius he well-nigh worshiped.

The carpets are old and worn and faded--not because he cannot afford better, but because he would have his home a perpetual protest against the world's sham.