He went over to the writing-table and opened the blotting-book.

Where it fell open there were some sheets of note-paper, and one particular sheet of which half had been torn off.

He compared the pieces which he held with that torn sheet, and seemed satisfied.
There was a rack for note-paper upon the table, and from it he took a stiff card.
"Get me some gum or paste, and quickly," he said.

His voice had become brusque, the politeness had gone from his address.

He carried the card and the fragments of paper to the round table.