Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[imchongjun]

Hello, teachers.

I have a question about the following passage.

As she (=landlady) sat there she also reminded herself, and not for the first time, what the lodger's departure would mean. It would almost certainly mean ruin; just as his staying meant all sorts of good things, of which physical comfort was the least. If Mr. Sleuth stayed on with them, as he showed every intention of doing, it meant respectability, and, above all, security.
(The Lodger by Marie Belloc Lowndes http://www.gutenberg.org/files/2014/2014-8.txt )

What I don't understand is the part "of which physical comfort was the least". Since the gentleman logdger arrived, the landlady was in constant suspese humoring him and coping with his eccentricities. So I think the part means something like "though waiting on him was very tiring", but I am not at all sure my interpretation is right. I appreciate it very much if you could help me.

[pugachevV]

Of which physical comfort was the least... This means that although physical comfort was one of the things that the lodger's staying would provide, it was the least important. (More important were respectability and security).

[imchongjun]

Yes, that's right!! Now I understand!! Thank you so much.

[pugachevV]

My pleasure.