He felt that its destruction would be something of an outrage.
He glanced at Charnock, but the latter's legs alone stuck out from under the table, and as it was obvious that he could not see, Festing dusted the portrait and put it in his pocket.

By and by Charnock crept out and got upon his feet.

It was dark now, but the glow of the burning paper flickered about the room and touched his face.

His hair was ruffled, his eyes were dull, and his mouth had a slack droop.

Festing felt some pity for the man, though he was also sensible of scornful impatience.