Quotation from: The Secret Agent

Written by: Joseph Conrad


Mr Verloc tying up the cardboard box into a parcel for the post, broke
the string by an injudicious jerk, and muttered several swear words
confidentially to himself. Then raising his tone to the usual husky
mutter, he announced his willingness to take Stevie into the country
himself, and leave him all safe with Michaelis.


He carried out this scheme on the very next day. Stevie offered no
objection. He seemed rather eager, in a bewildered sort of way. He
turned his candid gaze inquisitively to Mr Verloc's heavy countenance at
frequent intervals, especially when his sister was not looking at him.
His expression was proud, apprehensive, and concentrated, like that of a
small child entrusted for the first time with a box of matches and the
permission to strike a light. But Mrs Verloc, gratified by her brother's
docility, recommended him not to dirty his clothes unduly in the country.
At this Stevie gave his sister, guardian and protector a look, which for
the first time in his life seemed to lack the quality of perfect
childlike trustfulness. It was haughtily gloomy. Mrs Verloc smiled.

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