His lips began to part again--I feared to see the ferocious expression in his face once more.

I was wrong.

In the very moment of another outbreak of rage, the unhappy man showed that he was still capable, under strong internal influence, of restraining himself.

He seized the chain that held him to the wall in both hands, and wrung it with such convulsive energy that I almost expected to see the bones of his fingers start through the skin.
His head dropped on his breast, his wasted figure quivered.

It was only for an instant.