It would have been too much trouble for Mr Verloc.

It would not have been convenient for his other business.

What his business was he did not say; but after his engagement to Winnie he took the trouble to get up before noon, and descending the basement stairs, make himself pleasant to Winnie's mother in the breakfast-room downstairs where she had her motionless being.

He stroked the cat, poked the fire, had his lunch served to him there.

He left its slightly stuffy cosiness with evident reluctance, but, all the same, remained out till the night was far advanced.