His countenance reminded one of a lamp quenched, waiting to be re-lit--and alas! it was not himself that could now kindle the lustre of animated expression: he was dependent on another for that office!
On eût dit une lampe éteinte qui attend qu'on la rallume. Mais, hélas! ce n'était plus lui qui pouvait rallumer la flamme de son expression; il avait besoin d'un autre pour cela.