He had not yet come in.

She gave a gesture of despair, and flung herself down in the old leather chair opposite to his own, on which many a one had sat who had come to him for help or consolation.

All the buttons had been gradually worn off that chair by restless or heavy visitors.

Some had been lost, but others--the greater part, I am glad to say--Mr.Alwynn had found and had deposited in a Sevres cup on the mantle-piece, till the wet afternoon should come when he and his long packing-needle should restore them to their home.
The room was very quiet.

On the mantle-piece the little conscientious silver clock ticked, orderly, gently (till Ruth could hardly bear the sound), then hesitated, and struck a soft, low tone.