It would be embarrassing.

So I call myself Hawksley." A pause.

Kitty wondered what new impetus she might give to the conversation, which was interesting her despite her distrust.
"How did you come by that black eye ?" she asked with embarrassing directness.
Hawksley smiled, revealing beautifully white teeth.

"I say, it is a bit off, isn't it! I received it"-- a twinkle coming into his eyes--"in a situation that had moribund perspectives." "Moribund perspectives," repeated Kitty, casting the phrase about in her mind in search of an equivalent less academic.
"I am young and healthy, and I wanted to live," he said, gravely.

"I am curious to know what is going to happen to-morrow and other to-morrows." Somewhere near by a door was slammed violently.