It would have been easier if he had been less advanced, or further advanced, in his suit.

Most people never jump without feeling, at the moment of jumping, that they could leap a little better if they could "take off" an inch nearer or further away.
"Countess," said the Doctor at last, turning towards her with a very grave look in his face, "I have something to tell you, and I do not know how to say it." He paused, and Margaret looked at the sea, without noticing him, for she half fancied he was on the point of repeating his former indiscretion and saying he loved her.

Would it be an indiscretion now?
She wondered what she should say, what she would say, if he did--venture.

Would she say "it was not right" of him now?
In a moment Claudius had resolved to plunge boldly at the truth.
"I am obliged to go away very suddenly," he said; and his voice trembled violently.
Margaret's face lost colour in answer, and she resisted an impulse to turn and meet his eyes.

She would have liked to, but she felt his look on her, and she feared lest, looking once, she should look too long.
"Must you go away ?" she asked with a good deal of self-possession.
"Yes, I fear I must.