And who was guilty?
Mrs.
Carthew confessed her guilt, asking how it could have been avoided.

She made appeal to Gower on his return, transfixing him.
Not only is he no philosopher who has an idol, he has to learn that he cannot think rationally; his due sense of weight and measure is lost, the choice of his thoughts as well.

He was in the house with his devoutly, simply worshipped, pearl of women, and his whole mind fell to work without ado upon the extravagant height of the admiral's shirt-collar cutting his ears.

The very beating of his heart was perplexed to know whether it was for rapture or annoyance.

As a result he was but histrionically master of himself when the Countess Livia or the nimbus of the lady appeared in the room.
She received his bow; she directed Mrs.Carthew to have the doctor summoned immediately.