He showed a certain disposition to trifle with the curiosity of his niece.
"After the discovery we have already made," he said, "can't you wait, my dear, till we get the telegram from Edinburgh ?" "That is just what it's impossible for me to do! The telegram won't come for hours yet.

I want something to go on with in the mean time." She seated herself on a sofa in the corner opposite Geoffrey, and pointed to the vacant place by her side.
Sir Patrick had promised--Sir Patrick had no choice but to keep his word.

After another look at Geoffrey, he took the vacant place by his niece..