He was very much astonished, and said he would not have supposed that careful play could be needed with an acre of bunched balls in front of a person.
He began again, and played more carefully, but still with too much lightsomeness; he couldn't seem to learn to take the situation seriously.

He made about a dozen caroms and broke down.

He was irritated with himself now, and he thought he caught me laughing.

He didn't.

I do not laugh publicly at my client when this game is going on; I only do it inside--or save it for after the exhibition is over.