--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: The English, thought Kate, obviously…" description: "\"“The English, thought Kate, obviously regarded praying much as they did a necessary physical function, something best done in private. Dalgliesh apolog..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf6/p-d-james-7898_police-officers_the-english-thought-kate-obviously-regar_626246.jpg" --- # The English, thought Kate, obviously regarded praying much… ![“The English, thought Kate, obviously regarded praying much as they did a necessary physical function, something best done in private. Dalgliesh apologized for interrupting her work: “We’re police officers and I’m afraid we’re here on police business. Were you” quote by P.D. James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf6/p-d-james-7898_police-officers_the-english-thought-kate-obviously-regar_626246.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf6/p-d-james-7898_police-officers_the-english-thought-kate-obviously-regar_626246.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/cf6/p-d-james-7898_police-officers_the-english-thought-kate-obviously-regar_626246.jpg) > ““The English, thought Kate, obviously regarded praying much as they did a necessary physical function, something best done in private. Dalgliesh apologized for interrupting her work: “We’re police officers and I’m afraid we’re here on police business. Were you”” [P.D. James](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/p-d-james-2/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. The character sees prayer as a private, essential act, while police work intrudes, highlighting tension between personal faith and duty. **In simple terms:** Prayer is private; duty can intrude. Key Takeaway Respect personal boundaries. Themes faith duty privacy Mood conflict contemplative Type literary philosophical When to use this quote - investigations - confessional moments - ethical dilemmas Key Concepts religion law enforcement personal space Questions to Reflect On - How do you honor personal practices at work? - When does duty override private rituals? 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