If he then accepted without being sure of the Countess, he was binding himself to leave her.

Claudius had many things to learn yet.
"If I were you," said Barker, "I would write at once and say 'Yes.' Why can't you do it now ?" "Because I have not made up my mind." "Well, a bird in the hand is the soul of business, as the good old proverb says.

I have accepted for myself, anyhow; but I would be sorry to leave you on this side." So Claudius went to the Countess as usual, and found her in her morning-room awaiting him.

He bent over her hand, but as he took it he thought it was a trifle colder than usual.

It might have been imagination, but he fancied her whole manner was less cordial than before.