He had almost forgotten how to prepare the table for white men.

He felt aggrieved; Mem Nina would not help him.

He stepped back to look at his work admiringly, feeling very proud.

This must be right; and if the master afterwards is angry and swears, then so much the worse for Mem Nina.

Why did she not help?
He left the verandah to fetch the dinner.
"Well, Mr.Almayer, will you answer my question as frankly as it is put to you ?" asked the lieutenant, after a long silence.
Almayer turned round and looked at his interlocutor steadily.