He carefully avoided intimacy with Englishmen whose residence in foreign parts was continuous and in constant need of explanation.

Indeed, if a man's life needs explanation, he must sooner or later find himself face to face with some one who will not listen to him.
Colville, however, knew all about Captain Duncan, and knew what was ignored by many, namely, that he was nothing worse than foolish.

He knew all about Miriam, for he was in the confidence of Mrs.St.
Pierre Lawrence.

He knew that that lady wondered why Miriam preferred Farlingford to the high-bred society of her own circle at Royan and in Paris.
He thought he knew why Loo Barebone showed so little enterprise.

And he was, as Madame de Chantonnay had frequently told him, more than half a Frenchman in the quickness of his intuitions.