She may have had some notion of reforming him.

I find Clarice rather difficult to understand.' Drake stood up.

'Where is Miss Le Mesurier ?' he asked.
'Upstairs in the drawing-room.' He took a step towards the door, and took the step unsteadily.

He stopped for a second, bracing his shoulders; then he walked firmly across the room.

While his hand was on the handle, he heard Mr.Le Mesurier speaking.
'What do you mean to tell her ?' 'I hardly understand,' he answered, turning round.