And, unconsciously, this way and that he glanced for avenues of escape.

But he was trapped amid the palms and rubber trees.
Oh, he was sick of the sound of Jackson's name.

Why had I brought the matter up?
He did not relish my joke.

It was poor taste on my part, and very inconsiderate.

Did I not know that in his profession personal feelings did not count?
He left his personal feelings at home when he went down to the office.