And for all her theoretical desire to make their house a refuge for him and for whomever he liked to invite, she had never learned to keep her opinions of people to herself. When she was bored by callers, she would beg "Do you mind if I run up to bed now--such a headache," with a bright friendliness which fooled no one save herself, and which left their guests chilled and awkward.
The character struggles with the intention of creating a welcoming home but is hindered by her inability to mask her judgments about others. Despite wanting to be a good host, her true feelings surface, leading to discomfort among her guests. This contradiction between her desires and her behavior creates tension in social interactions.
Her efforts to excuse herself from socializing reflect a deeper conflict; while she seeks refuge and connection, her attitudes often push people away. Ultimately, her facade of friendliness fails to disguise her boredom and dissatisfaction, leaving others feeling uneasy in her presence.