The quote suggests that a man who is skilled in disguise values his own cleverness, and it would be unwise for a wife to wrongly assert that she can see through his pretenses. It implies a sense of pride and the inherent danger of underestimating someone's ability to manipulate appearances. This speaks to the complexities of relationships and the ways individuals may hide their true selves.
Moreover, the passage highlights the risks of miscommunication and misunderstanding in intimate partnerships. When someone is adept at crafting a facade, it can create a veil that complicates genuine recognition and connection. The assertion that stepping in between a man and his cleverness is imprudent suggests that acknowledging a partner's skill can lead to unforeseen consequences in the dynamics of trust and identity.