The parties at the tables on the veranda had other, fresher, events to talk about and Davidson shrank from making direct inquiries.

He sat placidly there, content to be disregarded and hoping for some chance word to turn up.

I shouldn't wonder if the good fellow hadn't been dozing.

It's difficult to give you an adequate idea of Davidson's placidity.
Presently Schomberg, wandering about, joined a party that had taken the table next to Davidson's.
"A man like that Swede, gentlemen, is a public danger," he began.

"I remember him for years.