It was not precisely a handsome face, but there was a certain rugged fineness in its lines that lifted it altogether out of the ruck of the ordinary.

It held its contradictions, too.
Notwithstanding the powerful, determined jaw, the mouth had a sensitive upward curve at the corners which gave it an expression of singular sweetness, and beneath the eyes were little lines which qualified their dominating glance with a hint of whimsical humour.
The clock ticked on solemnly.

Presently Mrs.Braithwaite bustled in with the tea and withdrew again.

But the man remained absorbed in his writing, apparently oblivious of everything else.
Magda, who was rapidly recovering, eyed the teapot longingly.

She was just wondering whether she dared venture to draw his attention to its arrival or whether he would snap her head off if she did, when he looked up suddenly with that swift, hawk-like glance of his.
"Ready for some tea ?" he queried.
She nodded.
"Yes.