His deep, keen eyes gazed out with an intensity that might almost be fierceness, and the fingers of his fine hands opened and shut nervously.

Though of no great stature, he had singular dignity.

He was in evening-dress, and as he raised a hand to his chin quickly, as if in surprise or perplexity, Gaston noticed that he wore a large seal-ring.
It is singular that while he was engaged with his great event, he was also thinking what an air of authority the ring gave.
For a moment the two men stood at gaze without speaking, though Gaston stepped forward respectfully.

A bewildered, almost shrinking look came into Sir William's eyes, as the other stood full in the light of the candles.
Presently the old man spoke.

In spite of conventional smoothness, his voice had the ring of distance, which comes from having lived through and above painful things.
"My servant announced you as Sir Gaston Belward.