Tardiness is portrayed as a profound affront, emphasizing the importance of being mindful of others' time and arrangements. When one is late, it disregards the effort that others have made, showing a lack of respect for their needs and commitments. This sentiment highlights that punctuality is not just about being on time but also about valuing interpersonal relationships and the sacrifices others make.

The quote illustrates that in social interactions, particularly in more formal or serious contexts, being late can significantly damage relationships. It underscores how cultural norms dictate that respecting others' time is essential and that disregarding this is seen as a major breach of etiquette. In essence, the act of lateness reflects deeper character traits and a misunderstanding of social responsibilities.