Nor was he, ever, save that

[suprunp]

A great tear rolled down Sourdust’s cheek threading its way over the crumpled surface. The eyes were too deeply set in their sockets of shadow to be seen. By not so much as the faintest sign or movement had Sourdust suggested that he was in a state of emotional stress. Nor was he, ever, save that at moments of reflection upon matters connected with the traditions of the Castle, it so happened that great tears emerged from the shadows beneath his brow.
(M. Peake; Titus Groan)

Should I read this as follows:

"Nor was he [in a state of emotional stress], ever, save that [except] at moments of reflection upon matters connected with the traditions of the Castle, it so happened that great tears emerged from the shadows beneath his brow."

Thanks.

[5jj]

Yes

[BobK]

(But don't write like this yourself. If you go around using 'save' in the sense 'except' you'll be thought rather strange!)

b