with a lengthening face

[Ahmed Samir Darwish]

In Greenmantle, by John Buchan, Hannay, a British officer, was on a secret mission in Turkey during First World War. Now had trussed Rasta, a Turkish annoying man, and put him in a cupboard.

had scarcely begun my long deferred meal when Sandy entered. He was before his time, and he looked as solemn as a sick owl. I seized on him as a drowning man clutches a spar.


He heard my story of Rasta with a lengthening face.

Does this suggest "surprise"?

 

[cidertree]

His expression got more gloomy as my story went on.

A gloomy/unhappy expression is referred to a a long face.

 

[Welsh_Sion]

His expression got more gloomy as my story went on.

A gloomy/unhappy expression is referred to a a long face.

This is the basis of the old joke.

A horse walks up to a bar. The barman asks, "Why the long face?"