I don't suppose he does it from any stupid pride of rank.
I know very well what set of ideas govern him.

But that isn't the point.

He has to reflect what others think of it, and to endeavour to do what will please them.

There was I telling tarradiddles by the yard to that old oaf, Sir Orlando Drought, when a confidential word from Plantagenet would have had ten times more effect.

And why can't he speak a word to the people's wives?
They wouldn't bite him.