antique

Danglars, however, while possessing a great admiration for the antique, as it was understood during the time of the Directory, entertained the most sovereign contempt for the simple elegance of his wife’s favorite sitting-room, where, by the way, he was never permitted to intrude, unless, indeed, he excused his own appearance by ushering in some more agreeable visitor than himself; and even then he had rather the air and manner of a person who was himself introduced, than that of being the presenter of another, his reception being cordial or frigid, in proportion as the person who accompanied him chanced to please or displease the baroness.

The afternoon light slanted through the dusty windowpane, casting long, geometric shadows across the cluttered expanse of Eleanor’s antique mahogany desk.

His supervisor, a brisk young woman who had been brought in to modernize the department, treated him with the polite patience people reserve for antique furniture.