Thus she lingered.

Not a whisper reached them from the outside world.
The sound of footsteps on the pavement died out in the discreet dimness of the shop.

Only the gas-jet above the table went on purring equably in the brooding silence of the parlour.
During the contact of that unexpected and lingering kiss Mr Verloc, gripping with both hands the edges of his chair, preserved a hieratic immobility.

When the pressure was removed he let go the chair, rose, and went to stand before the fireplace.

He turned no longer his back to the room.