He thought it more prudent not to answer, and was seeking a change of subject that would put an end to the deadlock.
She herself got him out of his difficulty.

"Let us not discuss it any more," she said, smiling, "we shall not get anywhere.

You see, this is the situation: I am married to a very nice man who loves me and whose only crime is that he represents the rather insipid happiness which one has right at hand.

I started this correspondence with you, so I am to blame, and believe me, on his account I suffer.

You have work to do, beautiful books to write.