It is a mere formality, but I will do it.

I might have guessed that she would try to smirch her own name, and the boys through her, if she had the chance.

She will defeat me yet, unless I am careful.

Oh, ye gods! why did I marry a fool who does not even know her own interests?
If I had life over again I would marry a Becky Sharp, any she-devil incarnate, if only she had brains.

One cannot circumvent a fool, because one can't foresee their line of action.