With their hands plunged deep in the side pockets of their coats, they dodged in sideways, one shoulder first, as if afraid to start the bell going.
The bell, hung on the door by means of a curved ribbon of steel, was difficult to circumvent.

It was hopelessly cracked; but of an evening, at the slightest provocation, it clattered behind the customer with impudent virulence.
It clattered; and at that signal, through the dusty glass door behind the painted deal counter, Mr Verloc would issue hastily from the parlour at the back.

His eyes were naturally heavy; he had an air of having wallowed, fully dressed, all day on an unmade bed.

Another man would have felt such an appearance a distinct disadvantage.

In a commercial transaction of the retail order much depends on the seller's engaging and amiable aspect.