Barnard caught the word. “Comfortable?” he echoed…
““Barnard caught the word. “Comfortable?” he echoed raucously. “Why, of course we’re comfortable. We’re just enjoying the trip. Pity we haven’t a pack of cards—we could play a rubber of bridge.” Conway welcomed the spirit of the remark, though he disliked bridge. “I don’t suppose Miss Brinklow plays,” he said, smiling. But the missionary turned round briskly to retort: “Indeed I do, and I could never see any harm in cards at all. There’s nothing against them in the Bible.” They all laughed, and seemed obliged to her for providing an excuse. At any rate, Conway thought, she wasn’t hysterical.””
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
A character uses a lighthearted excuse about cards to defuse tension, showing humor can ease discomfort in social settings.
In simple terms: Humor eases social discomfort.
Key Takeaway
Use humor to lighten tense moments.
Themes
social dynamics
humor
conflict resolution
Mood
lighthearted
amicable
Type
anecdotal
conversational
When to use this quote
- group gatherings
- team meetings
- travel companions
Key Concepts
defusing tension
social etiquette
conversation tactics
Questions to Reflect On
- When have you used humor to calm a tense situation?
- Can humor sometimes mask deeper problems?
A Different Perspective
Humor may not address underlying issues.