So he watched the young men getting into their dogcart, and he thought the whole turn-out looked "very fit." "Really," he began, in answer to the Countess's question, "-- upon my word, I don't know much about it.

At least, I suppose not." "Oh, I thought you did," said Margaret, taking up a book and a paper-cutter.

"I thought it must be something rather serious, or he would not have been obliged to go abroad to get papers about it." "Well, you know, after all, he--aw--" the Duke reddened--"he--well yes, exactly so." "Yes ?" said Margaret interrogatively, expecting something more.
"Exactly," said the Duke, still red, but determined not to say anything.
He had not promised Claudius not to say he could have vouched for him, had the Doctor stayed; but he feared that in telling Margaret this, he might be risking the betrayal of Claudius's actual destination.

It would not do, however.
"I really do not understand just what you said," said Margaret, looking at him.
"Ah! well, no.

I daresay I did not express myself very clearly.