So at least it seemed now to Mr Verloc.
His prestige with the Embassy would have been immense if--if his wife had not had the unlucky notion of sewing on the address inside Stevie's overcoat.

Mr Verloc, who was no fool, had soon perceived the extraordinary character of the influence he had over Stevie, though he did not understand exactly its origin--the doctrine of his supreme wisdom and goodness inculcated by two anxious women.

In all the eventualities he had foreseen Mr Verloc had calculated with correct insight on Stevie's instinctive loyalty and blind discretion.

The eventuality he had not foreseen had appalled him as a humane man and a fond husband.

From every other point of view it was rather advantageous.