But I have just a suspicion that the story may not come to you quite as a surprise.

If Norbert thought he had a certain duty--strange idea!--perhaps friends of his might see things in the same way.

Even the most sensible people are influenced by curious ideas on one subject.

I need not say that, as soon as the suspicion dawned upon me, I did my best to let him understand how far astray he was going.

I think he understood.