A brief conversation, carried on in a subdued tone of voice, ensued, during which Miss Shirley took a seat by the window, and appeared to sink into a more pensive mood, as though the contagion of unhappiness had communicated itself to her from the unfortunate lady with whom she had been speaking.
— from Colin Clink, Volume 1 (of 3) by Charles Hooton

He had taken the precaution, before starting, to obtain very explicit directions, in order to save time, and to avoid the risk involved in asking questions.
— from Brown of Moukden: A Story of the Russo-Japanese War by Herbert Strang