It felt, apparently, a momentary impulse to broaden; but this it immediately checked.

Then it remained for some instants taking counsel with itself, at the end of which it decreed a retreat.

It slowly effaced itself and left a look of seriousness modified by the desire not to be rude.

Extreme surprise had come into the Count Valentin's face; but he had reflected that it would be uncivil to leave it there.

And yet, what the deuce was he to do with it?
He got up, in his agitation, and stood before the chimney-piece, still looking at Newman.