The rector had told them, that in answer to a hint he had dropped on the subject of neckties, General Ople expressed a slight apprehension of apoplexy; but his careless or merely partial observance of the laws of buttonment could have nothing to do with such fears.

They signified rather a disorder of the intelligence.
Elizabeth was condemned for leaving him to go about alone.

The situation was really most painful, for a word to so sensitive a man would drive him away in shame and for good; and still, to let him parade the ground in the state, compared with his natural self, of scarecrow, and with the dreadful habit of talking to himself quite rageing, was a horrible alternative.

Mrs.Baerens at last directed her husband upon the General, trembling as though she watched for the operations of a fish torpedo; and other ladies shared her excessive anxiousness, for Mr.Baerens had the manner and the look of artillery, and on this occasion carried a surcharge of powder.
The General bent his ear to Mr.Baerens, whose German-English and repeated remark, 'I am to do it wid delicassy,' did not assist his comprehension; and when he might have been enlightened, he was petrified by seeing Lady Camper walk on the lawn with Elizabeth.

The great lady stood a moment beside Mrs.Baerens; she came straight over to him, contemplating him in silence.
Then she said, 'Your arm, General Ople,' and she made one circuit of the lawn with him, barely speaking.
At her request, he conducted her to her carriage.