Absorbed in the toil and delight of literary composition, he had not even answered Mr Verloc's shout up the little staircase.
"I am taking this young fellow home for a day or two." And, in truth, Mr Verloc did not wait for an answer, but had marched out of the cottage at once, followed by the obedient Stevie.
Now that all action was over and his fate taken out of his hands with unexpected swiftness, Mr Verloc felt terribly empty physically.

He carved the meat, cut the bread, and devoured his supper standing by the table, and now and then casting a glance towards his wife.

Her prolonged immobility disturbed the comfort of his refection.

He walked again into the shop, and came up very close to her.

This sorrow with a veiled face made Mr Verloc uneasy.