Page:The woman, the man, and the monster (IA womanmanmonster00dawe).pdf/316

 III

Dicesy Brenton leant with both elbows on the mantelpiece and earnestly scrutinised his own reflection in the mirror. It was a habit not founded on vanity. Admiration of what he saw was not responsible for the act. He was not looking for that which so many peo- ple find so easily; rather was there in his gaze a look of fear, a dread as of terror lest he should find that for which he searched. From every possible angle he viewed himself, now pressing in close against the glass until his breath blurred it. It seemed as though he was searching for something in his eyes which eluded his scrutiny. From time to time a short exclamation of impatience would escape him; then again he would smile as if pleased with what he found there—or what he did not find. Occasionally he pulled the lids low down, show- ing a superfluity of red blood beneath. But when natural and in repose there was a nar-

802