She was asking herself why, when they were in London, he had objected to a meeting between her and his mother.

He had said his mother was a crotchety old woman who could not make up her mind to the changed circumstances, and was intensely prejudiced against women above her own class.

Was that a very convincing description?
She had accepted it at the time, but now, after reading this letter--?
But could any man speak with that voice and that look, and lie?
Her agitation grew intolerable.

Answer she must; could she, could she say 'No' with truth?
Answer she must, for he waited.

In the agony of striving for voice there came upon her once more that dizziness of the morning, but in a more severe form.