I only hope that the five minutes' conversation which you have asked for will not be exceeded." Mr.Draconmeyer had the air of a benevolent person who is deeply pained.
"Sir Henry," he sighed, "it is not possible for me to disregard such plain speaking.

Forgive me if I am a little taken aback by it.

You are known to be a very skilful diplomatist and you have many weapons in your armoury.

One scarcely expected, however--one's breath is a little taken away by such candour." "I am not aware," Hunterleys said calmly, "that the question of diplomacy need come in when one's only idea is to regulate the personal acquaintances of oneself and one's wife." Mr.Draconmeyer sat quite still for a moment, stroking his black beard.
His eyes were fixed upon the carpet.

He seemed to be struggling with a problem.
"You have taken the ground from beneath my feet," he declared.