And the worst of harmless lunacy was that it might develop at any moment into harmful lunacy.
There was one thing to do, and only one: keep him quiet, shield him from all troubles and alarms.

It was disturbance of spirit which induced these mental derangements.

His master's death had upset him.

And now he had been upset by her disgraceful brewery company.
She made a step towards him, and then hesitated.

She had to form a plan of campaign all in a moment! She had to keep her wits and to use them! How could she give him confidence about his absurd picture?
She noticed that naive look that sometimes came into his eyes, a boyish expression that gave the He to his greying beard and his generous proportions.
He laughed, until, as she came closer, he saw the tears on her eyelids.
Then he ceased laughing.