Birkin stood some distance off, among the people.

It was against his instinct to approach anybody.
From time to time, in a manner characteristic of him, Gerald lifted his head and looked round.

Even though he was reading the newspaper closely, he must keep a watchful eye on his external surroundings.
There seemed to be a dual consciousness running in him.

He was thinking vigorously of something he read in the newspaper, and at the same time his eye ran over the surfaces of the life round him, and he missed nothing.

Birkin, who was watching him, was irritated by his duality.