“Was there anything to indicate whether he was writing or reading when you knocked?”
“He had a book in his left hand and the light was on a small table by his reading chair.”
“This reading chair and table, where were they in the room?”
“Before the fireplace, about the centre of the north side.”
“Was there a fire in the fireplace?”
“Yes; there were a few wood coals.”
“Was it a cold night?”
“No; but he was very fond of a wood fire and when the evening was not too warm had one, even if he had to have a window open.”
“Was the window open that night?”
“Yes; the one nearest the River Road, overlooking the driveway.”