On this delicate impulse Mr Verloc withdrew into the parlour again, where the gas jet purred like a contented cat.

Mrs Verloc's wifely forethought had left the cold beef on the table with carving knife and fork and half a loaf of bread for Mr Verloc's supper.

He noticed all these things now for the first time, and cutting himself a piece of bread and meat, began to eat.
His appetite did not proceed from callousness.

Mr Verloc had not eaten any breakfast that day.

He had left his home fasting.