The position was gone through no one's fault really.
A small, tiny fact had done it.

It was like slipping on a bit of orange peel in the dark and breaking your leg.
Mr Verloc drew a weary breath.

He nourished no resentment against his wife.

He thought: She will have to look after the shop while they keep me locked up.

And thinking also how cruelly she would miss Stevie at first, he felt greatly concerned about her health and spirits.