Nicholas was sitting by the fire-side in his accustomed corner; but he had not his accustomed pipe. He was leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee. He did not get up when he saw them, though Margaret could read the welcome in his eye.

Nicholas was sitting by the fire-side in his accustomed corner, leaning his head upon his hand, his arm resting on his knee. He did not get up when he saw them.
