Describe the small parlor in Lakesnan Villa and the people in it.

There are three people in the parlor; Mrs. White, her son, and her husband Mr. White. The son and the husband are playing chess; we learn early on that Mr. White is reckless during the game which foreshadows his behavior with the monkey's paw later in the story. Inside, the fire is burning brightly while Mrs. White is knitting calmly and the men play until Herbert beats his father. The outside weather is cold, but the inside is pleasant.