Then, summoning all himself, with tightened lip, + 

With desperate coolness and attentive air, + 

He touched between his thumb and finger-tip, + 

Each in its turn, the four legs of his chair, + 

Then back again in haste⁠—there!⁠—that one there + 

Had been forgotten⁠ ⁠… once more!⁠ ⁠… safer now; + 

That’s better! and he smiled and cleared his brow. + 