mrs. barrs sober dress and situation hinted at widowhood , but beyond this deduction little intelligence had been gleaned , for she was almost always to be found seated with her benefactress at a card table , and spoke of little save tricks and trumps ; while the only thing known of miss barr , was that she was fond of reading , as she did nothing but sit in corners , with a small volume in her hand which at times resembled a prayer book .