"I'm sorry if I've done anything wrong, Mr. Brokenshire," I said, meekly. "I didn't mean to."
He looked over my head, speaking casually, as one who takes no interest in the subject.
"All the great stupidities have been committed by people who didn't mean to—but there they are!"
I continued to be meek.
"I didn't know I had been stupid."
"The stupid never do."
"And I don't think I have been," I added, with rising spirit.
Though there was consternation in the room behind me, Mr. Brokenshire merely said:
"Unfortunately, you must let others judge of that."
"But how?" I insisted. "If I have been, wouldn't it be a kindness on your part to tell me in what way?"