As a rule, he surrounded his wife with little attentions, placing a cushion at her back, and altogether playing the part of the devoted husband. 
He surrounded his wife with attention because he is devoted to her.
He pays very little attention to his wife, because he is not devoted to her.
The man is outdoors.
The people are sitting around the table eating pizza.
A man with tattoos is getting dressed.
The men in the white uniforms are running across the field.
Another dog runs through some more grass.
There is water in the bottom of a well.