He had no feeling of uneasiness in her presence now, no sense of irritation.

In spite of her tirade, he had a feeling that it didn't matter, that she must bluster in her tiny teacup if she wanted to do so.
"Open the letter at once," she insisted.

"If you don't, I will." She made as though to take the letter from him, but with a sudden twist he tore open the envelope.

The bank-notes fell to the floor as he took out the sheet inside.

Wondering, he stooped to pick them up.
"Four thousand pounds!" he exclaimed, examining them.