Ah,' said Loder, meaning by this that he regretted the turtle and the geese, that he thought Fox's refusal for his colleagues an abuse of authority, and that he for one dissociated himself from the barbarous incivility: a considerable burden for a single 'ah', but one that it bore easily.
In this excerpt from "The Thirteen-Gun Salute" by Patrick O'Brian, the character Loder expresses regret over the treatment of a turtle and some geese. His response indicates a deeper concern about the actions of his colleague, Fox, whom he views as misusing his authority. Loder's single utterance of "ah" carries significant weight, conveying his disapproval of Fox's behavior.
This moment reveals the complexity of Loder's feelings and his desire to distance himself from what he perceives as cruel and uncivilized actions. The use of the word "ah" encapsulates his thoughts on the situation, showing how a simple word can bear the emotional load of multiple sentiments and ethical stances.
