He had never dropped the slightest allusion as to its cause.
When Lionel asked an explanation, he neither accorded nor denied it, but would put him off evasively; as he might have put off a child who asked a troublesome question.

You have now seen him do so once again.
After the rebuff, Lionel was crossing the hall when he suddenly halted, as if a thought struck him, and he turned back to the study.

If ever a man's attitude bespoke utter grief and prostration, Mr.Verner's did, as Lionel opened the door.

His head and hands had fallen, and his stick had dropped upon the carpet.

He started out of his reverie at the appearance of Lionel, and made an effort to recover his stick.