At this point, the old lady got a case of the vapors and had to be helped 
from the room by the parlormaid and other servants, leaving the client alone 
with Miss Braithwaite, who was taking the whole thing quite stoically. "Your 
composure
is admirable, Miss Braithwaite," said the client, "but please be assured that 
no one will blame you for giving vent to your emotions at such a time." When 
the client spoke this line, there was an audible tremor of excitement in his 
voice.