I sat for hours in the little parlour of Cheshire Cheese thinking over the best way.

You understand I never meant any harm to come to that boy." Mr Verloc, the Secret Agent, was speaking the truth.

It was his marital affection that had received the greatest shock from the premature explosion.

He added: "I didn't feel particularly gay sitting there and thinking of you." He observed another slight shudder of his wife, which affected his sensibility.

As she persisted in hiding her face in her hands, he thought he had better leave her alone for a while.