Though he disliked doing so, he asked Marsh whether he knew when the ladies were likely to return.

Clifford declared his ignorance.

The two looked at each other, smiled, said good morning, and turned different ways.
Reuben walked about the sea-front for a couple of hours.

"Who is that confounded fellow ?" he kept asking in his mind, adding the highly ludicrous question, "What business has he to know them ?" His impatience waxed; now and then he strode at such a pace that perspiration covered him.

The most trivial discomposure had often much the same effect on him; if he happened to have a difficulty in finding his way, for instance, he would fume himself into exasperated heat.
"What business have they to live in a vulgar boarding house?
It's abominable bad taste and indiscretion in that woman.