At first he laughed at this as being--as he himself said to himself--too good a joke.

When the report first reached him, it seemed to be a joke which he could share so pleasantly with the countess.

For men of three and twenty, though they are so fond of the society of women older than themselves, understand so little the hearts and feelings of such women.

In his ideas there was an interval as of another generation between him and the countess.

In her thoughts the interval was probably much less striking.
But the accusation was made to him again and again till it wounded him, and he gave up that notion of a mutual joke with his kind friend at Desmond Court.