Such extreme directness of speech was difficult to deal with.
"My dear Sir Henry," he protested, "you distress me.

I do not understand your attitude in this matter at all." "There is no necessity for you to understand it," Hunterleys retorted coolly.

"I claim the right to regulate my wife's visiting list.

She denies that right." "Apart from the question of marital control," Mr.Draconmeyer persisted, "will you tell me why you consider my wife and myself unfit persons to find a place amongst Lady Hunterleys' acquaintances ?" "No man is bound to give the reason for his dislikes," Hunterleys replied.

"Of your wife I know nothing.