What I mean is, if you're absolutely off your rocker, but don't find it convenient to be scooped into the luny-bin, you simply explain that, when you said you were a teapot, it was just your Artistic Temperament, and they apologize and go away. So I stood by to hear just how the A.T. had affected Clarence, the Cat's Friend, ready for anything.
The passage reflects the whimsical perspective of a character who believes that one can dodge judgment by attributing unusual statements to an "Artistic Temperament." This notion implies that eccentric behavior can be excused if labeled as a creative expression rather than madness. It highlights the humorous side of social interactions and perceptions of sanity.
The narrator anticipates a peculiar explanation from Clarence, who is associated with cats. This builds curiosity about how Clarence will link his behavior to his supposed artistic nature, setting the stage for entertaining revelations that blend absurdity and creativity. The author, P.G. Wodehouse, uses this scenario to examine character traits in a lighthearted manner.