Taciturn still, he was not so listless.

Mrs Verloc thought that he was rather jumpy at times.

It might have been regarded as an improvement.

As to Stevie, he moped no longer at the foot of the clock, but muttered to himself in corners instead in a threatening tone.

When asked "What is it you're saying, Stevie ?" he merely opened his mouth, and squinted at his sister.