The closing of the door behind Northwick roused a little black figure drooping forward on the Benching in one corner.
"The Quality of Mercy"
W. D. Howells
There was only a day or two when it could really be called rough, and the sea-sickness was confined to those who seemed wilful sufferers; they lay on the cushioned Benching around the stairs-landing, and subsisted on biscuit and beef tea without qualifying the monotonous well-being of the other passengers, who passed without noticing them.
"Their Silver Wedding Journey"
William Dean Howells
The fountains dribbled rather than gushed, and everywhere were ranks and rows of plants in large, high earthen pots beside or upon the tiled Benching that faced the fountains and would have been easier to sit on if you had not had to supply the back yourself.
"Familiar Spanish Travels"
W. D. Howells