"If so, this rather grotesque situation becomes more manageable.

It is fortunate that you and I know each other so well, and have the habit of straightforward speech.

I may assume, no doubt, that, from the very first, our friendship was misinterpreted by Lady Ogram; reasonable relations between man and woman are so very rare, and, in this case, the observer was no very acute psychologist.

I feel sure she is actuated by the kindest motives; but what seems to her my inexplicable delay has been too much for her temper, and at last there was nothing for it but to deal roundly with me.

One may suspect, too, that she feels she has not much time to spare.