half-rueful

Poor Ralph Touchett, as soon as the autumn had begun to define itself, became almost a prisoner; in bad weather he was unable to step out of the house, and he used sometimes to stand at one of the windows with his hands in his pockets and, from a countenance half-rueful, half-critical, watch

The Portrait of a Lady 2003

Chad Newsome was doubtless to be struck, when he arrived, with the sharpness of their opposition at this particular hour; he was to remember, as a part of it, how Waymarsh came with him and with Strether to the street and stood there with a face half-wistful and half-rueful.

The Ambassadors 2003

"We've never been able to stop that," the High Wizard admitted with a half-rueful smile that vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

Colors of Chaos Modesitt, L. E. 1999

Then he sighed, and looked back at her with a half-rueful grin.

The Silicon Mage Hambly, Barbara 1988

For a moment he hesitated, a half-rueful, half-whimsical smile on his lips, rather as though he were laughing at himself.

The Lamp of Fate Margaret Pedler

She took a final look at herself in the dimpled glass that gave back her figure in a series of waves and angles, and suddenly she gave a little half-rueful laugh.

Secret Bread F. Tennyson Jesse

The man wisely took no part in the struggle, but stood looking on, encouraging them with half-rueful, half-laughing remarks.

The Dragon's Secret Augusta Huiell Seaman 1914

He smiled, still in that strange, half-rueful fashion.

Greatheart 1910

When they parted at the door of Valleys House, she looked back at him with a queer, half-rueful smile.

The Patrician John Galsworthy 1900

Valleys House, she looked back at him with a queer, half-rueful smile.

Complete Project Gutenberg John Galsworthy Works John Galsworthy 1900