Gaze Quote by Judith McNaught
““I thought you were angry with me for interfering,” she said to his shoulder. There was a smile in his voice as he answered, “Not angry. Stunned.” “Well, I couldn’t let them call you a cheat when I knew perfectly well you weren’t.” “I imagine I’ve been called worse,” he said mildly. “Particularly by your hotheaded young friend Everly.” Elizabeth wondered what could be worse than being called a cheat, but good manners forbade her asking. Lifting her head, she gazed apprehensively into his eyes and asked, “You won’t mean to demand satisfaction from Lord Everly at a later date, do you?” “I hope,” he teased, grinning, “that I’m not so ungrateful as to spoil all your handiwork in the card room by doing such a thing. Besides, it would be very impolite of me to kill him when you’d just made it very clear he’d already engaged himself to escort you tomorrow.””
About This Quote
Source Novel: Unnamed, 2021
A playful exchange shows how teasing can mask deeper concerns about loyalty and reputation.
In simple terms: Teasing hides serious worries.
Key Takeaway
Read between the lines for true intent.
Themes
communication
loyalty
reputation
Mood
witty
light‑hearted
Type
literary
conversational
When to use this quote
- negotiations
- friendship
- team leadership
Key Concepts
social dynamics
conflict resolution
Questions to Reflect On
- What is the real issue behind the banter?
- How do you address hidden concerns?
A Different Perspective
Teasing can obscure genuine issues.
