In order that it might not be disturbed by some dusting housemaid, I myself made it fast with three or four tin-tacks which I remember I drove through the velvet stuff into the panelling, using a fireiron as a hammer.

At the time I thought it a good job although by accident I struck the nail of the third finger of my left hand so hard that it came off.

Look, it has not quite finished growing again," and he showed the finger on which the new nail was still in process of formation.
"Well, as I walked up and down the room some impulse caused me to look towards the picture.

To my astonishment I saw that it was no longer veiled, although to the best of my belief the curtain had been drawn over it as lately as that afternoon; indeed I could have sworn that this was so.

I called to Savage to bring the lamp that stood upon my table, and by its light made an examination.