With improvement in general health even his features might have a tolerable comeliness, or at all events would not be disagreeable.

Earwaker's visage was homely, and seemed the more so for his sprouting moustache and beard.
'Have you heard any talk about Walsh ?' the latter inquired, as they walked on.
Peak shrugged his shoulders, with a laugh.
'No.

Have you ?' 'Some women in front of me just now were-evidently discussing him.

I heard "How shocking!" and "Disgraceful!"' Peak's eyes flashed, and he exclaimed in a voice of wrath: 'Besotted idiots! How I wish I were in Walsh's position! How I should enjoy standing up before the crowd of fools and seeing their fear of me! But I couldn't keep it to myself; I should give in to the temptation to call them blockheads and jackasses.' Earwaker was amused at his friend's vehemence.

He sympathised with it, but had an unyouthful sobriety in the expression of his feelings.
'Most likely he despises them far too much to be disturbed by what they think of him.