Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[imchongjun]

Hello, teachers.

I am a struggling reader of English and am very glad if you could help me understand the following passage. (I am sorry for the long quote. This is a conversation between the landlady and a lodger who may be a serial killer.)

==========
"Good-night, sir," she said at last.

Mr. Sleuth turned round. His face looked sad and worn.

"I hope you'll sleep well, sir."

"Yes, I'm sure I shall sleep well. But perhaps I shall take a little turn first. Such is my way, Mrs. Bunting; after I have been studying all day I require a little exercise."

"Oh, I wouldn't go out to-night," she said deprecatingly. "'Tisn't fit for anyone to be out in the bitter cold."

"And yet--and yet"--he looked at her attentively--"there will probably be many people out in the streets to-night."

"A many more than usual, I fear, sir."

"Indeed?" said Mr. Sleuth quickly. "Is it not a strange thing, Mrs. Bunting, that people who have all day in which to amuse themselves should carry their revels far into the night?"

"Oh, I wasn't thinking of revellers, sir; I was thinking"--she hesitated, then, with a gasping effort Mrs. Bunting brought out the words, "of the police."

"The police?" He put up his right hand and stroked his chin two or three times with a nervous gesture. "But what is man--what is man's puny power or strength against that of God, or even of those over whose feet God has set a guard?"

Mr. Sleuth looked at his landlady with a kind of triumph lighting up his face, and Mrs. Bunting felt a shuddering sense of relief. Then she had not offended her lodger? She had not made him angry by that, that--was it a hint she had meant to convey to him?

(http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2014/2014-8.txt)
==========

I am puzzled by the last sentence. What is "that" that she fears may have offended him, and that she wonders if it was what she really wanted to say to him? I think I understand all the rest of the passage, but the last sentence defeats me. I appreciate your help very much.

[rice07]

[imchongjun]

I got it. Thanks a ton!!

[pugachevV]

As rice surmises, it refers to her reference to the police. She is wondering if it could be called a hint. (A slight, or indirect indication, or a small piece of practical information).