Kate expresses strong feelings about Francis Crawford's behavior, describing his rudeness as abominable and his politeness as obnoxious. She is clearly irritated by his demeanor and finds it difficult to tolerate his manners. Despite her criticism, her words reveal a mixture of frustration and admiration, indicating complex feelings towards him.

She admits that her greatest fear is not the wild animals but the rare moments when she sees worry in Francis Crawford’s eyes. This suggests that his composure and strength are important to her, and witnessing any sign of concern from him makes her feel genuinely frightened. Her statement highlights her emotional vulnerability and the significance of his perceived strength to her.