And such a view accords very well with constitutional indolence.
On that evening on which it may be said that Mrs Verloc's mother having parted for good from her children had also departed this life, Winnie Verloc did not investigate her brother's psychology.

The poor boy was excited, of course.

After once more assuring the old woman on the threshold that she would know how to guard against the risk of Stevie losing himself for very long on his pilgrimages of filial piety, she took her brother's arm to walk away.

Stevie did not even mutter to himself, but with the special sense of sisterly devotion developed in her earliest infancy, she felt that the boy was very much excited indeed.

Holding tight to his arm, under the appearance of leaning on it, she thought of some words suitable to the occasion.
"Now, Stevie, you must look well after me at the crossings, and get first into the 'bus, like a good brother." This appeal to manly protection was received by Stevie with his usual docility.