He did not talk much, but seemed to think about something.

His wife resumed her sewing.

She was acutely aware of her husband, but he seemed not very much aware of her.
"What were they on about today, then ?" she said.
"About the throw-in." "And did they settle anything ?" "They're going to try it--and they'll come out if it isn't satisfactory." "The butties won't have it, I know," she said.

He gave a short laugh, and went on with his meal.
The two children were squatted on the floor by the tree.

They had a wooden box, from which they had taken many little newspaper packets, which they were spreading out like wares.
"Don't open any.