Sentence:  It may here suffice to add that, compared with the formalities, the fictions, and the <WSD>circuities</WSD> of "legal" assurances, they surprise us with a simplicity and directness of purpose which would satisfy the most zealous advocate for these desirable qualities ... 
Meaning of the word marked with <WSD> tags:  A circuitous plan; a roundabout way of doing something.