I didn't mean to be.

I have the highest possible regard for all judges, and what I said just now about legal fictions was simply meant to avoid prolonging a discussion which can't have been pleasant for you.

And after all, you know, it was rather absurd your trying to come the judge over me, considering what we were talking about.

You wouldn't have done it, I'm sure, if you'd stopped for a moment to consider the peculiar and rather delicate circumstances under which we are carrying on this negotiation.

I expect the habit of talking in that judicial way was too strong for you.