"On the whole," said Meldon, "things are turning out better than I expected.

They developed in a way that at first a little surprised me.
In fact, for an hour or two I was rattled, and hardly knew what to say or do; but on thinking the whole affair over quietly, after an interview I had with Callaghan, I have every reason to feel fairly well satisfied." He and Major Kent sat together at afternoon tea on the verandah of Portsmouth Lodge.

The Major was evidently nervous and uncomfortable.
The teaspoon tinkled in the saucer as he handed a cup to his friend, and he forgot to help himself to a lump of sugar.
"I took Doyle quite the right way," said Meldon, "and I don't think he'll sack Sabina.

I should have been sorry if Sabina had got into serious trouble--" "What about the judge ?" said the Major.
"I'm talking about Sabina Gallagher at present, I'll come to the judge later on.

As a matter of fact he's perfectly well able to look after himself.