He is a little incredulous but he wishes to be polite to his future father-in-law.

What a pity that I could not have a relapse while he is here!" "Couldn't you ?" she exclaimed.

"It would be such fun!" Burton shook his head.
"Nothing but the truth," he declared sadly.
Mr.Bomford, without his motoring outfit, was still an unprepossessing figure.

He wore a pince-nez; his manner was fussy and inclined to be a little patronizing.

He had the air of an unsuccessful pedagogue.