'Err . . . I'd be less than honest if, er . . .' he winced. 'It sounded gallant in French. Pompous in English. I was wondering . . . the state of international relations being so troublous and relations ‘tween the sexes more so, and etiquette being an area in which I am weak . . . whether there was any pretext at all under which I might converse with you, or send letters, without giving offense.'