You get a glimpse of a meaning here and there, but no meaning really.

I can't explain what I feel,' he added, with a laugh.

'I want Mallinson to help me.' 'You admire Mr.Mallinson ?' asked Clarice, stopping suddenly.
'Well, one always admires the class of work one can't do oneself, eh ?' 'That's very generous of you.' 'Why generous ?' Drake leaned suddenly forward.

His habit of putting questions abrupt and straight to the point had discomposed Miss Le Mesurier upon an occasion before.

She answered hurriedly.