It was unexpected and it hit me so hard I didn't try to argue.

I simply took her at her word, her very explicit word." "Fool!" cried Mr.Pryor.

"The last thing on earth any woman ever wants or expects is for a man to take her at her word." "What ?" cried Laddie.
"She had what she said in her mind of course, but what she wanted was to be argued out of it! She wanted to be convinced!" "I think not! She was entirely too convincing herself," said Laddie.
"It's my guess that she has thought matters over, and that her mind is made up; but I would take it as a mighty big favour if you would put that little piece of special pleading squarely up to her.

Will you ?" "Yes," said Mr.Pryor, "I will.

I'll keep cool and do my best, but I am so unfortunate in my temper.