As to the details of features, these were altogether subordinate, and as devoid of physiognomical meaning as the dull integument which encompassed them.
It had about the same amount of character as a bald baby.
One received the impression that a seismic disturbance might awaken some show of emotion, but design—never.
And yet, behind that pale disguise, between sleepy, level lids, two points of concentrated fire and ceaseless animation gleamed their startling significance to any one able to comprehend.
In stature he was adjusted to his visage.
His frame was lean enough to repudiate the incredible agility and recuperative strength it housed, and his carriage was consistently “out of plumb.”
Altogether it was an identity that would have been overlooked in any gathering, and was almost nondescript enough to establish an eligibility to the most exclusive function.
This unpromising ensemble, however, was not misleading to Raikes, who had looked up quickly at the first appearance of the detective, and had seen the sharp, penetrating glance with which Gratz had for an instant surveyed the apartment.
Moreover, the very leanness of the famous official appealed to him.
Here, at least, were none of the obnoxious evidences of repletion which he viewed with such disapprobation in his sturdier nephew.