As he extended it to his friend the latter's face was turned from him.
He had been slow in the act of producing the packet because during it he had been trying to invent a remarkable comment upon the affair.

He could conjure nothing of sufficient point.

He was compelled to allow his friend to escape unmolested with his packet.

And for this he took unto himself considerable credit.

It was a generous thing.
His friend at his side seemed suffering great shame.