First draft (7)

In the hall, he noticed for the first time with any (pregnancy) the (painting)
portrait of the original owner. His face was sallow and thin, eyes peering
with a knowingness which was surely a trick of posterity. (With) a further
howling from outside, he wondered if it was necessary to descend the
staircase at this hour. At a mad draft his candle was out, and only the occasional
flash at the windows captured the scene. He decided to descend, the place must
be mastered if ever he was to live here beyond these frantic days.