We had been delayed by some small accident to the machinery ; hence that lost half-hour , which meant a night 's sojourn for me in Broughton . I am ashamed of the things I thought and said . When I think that fate might have taken me at my word and raised up a special train , or some such miracle , by which I might have got away from Broughton that night , I experience a cold chill . Out of gratitude I have never sworn over missing connections since . At the time , however , I felt thoroughly exasperated . I was in a hurry to get on . Important business engagements would be unhinged by the delay . I was a stranger in Broughton . It looked like a stupid , stuffy little town . I went to a hotel in an atrocious humor . After I had fumed until I wanted a change , it occurred to me that I might as well hunt up Clark Oliver by way of passing the time . I had never been overly fond of Clark Oliver , although he was my cousin . He was a bit of a cad , and stupider than anyone belonging to our family had a right to be . Moreover , he was in politics , and I detest politics . But I rather wanted to see if he looked as much like me as he used to . I had n't seen him for three years and I hoped that the time might have differentiated us to a saving degree . It was over a year since I had last been blown up by some unknown , excited individual on the ground that I was that scoundrel Oliver -- politically speaking . I thought that was a good omen . I went to Clark 's office , found he had left , and followed him to his rooms . The minute I saw him I experienced the same nasty feeling of lost or bewildered individuality which always overcame me in his presence .
He was so absurdly XXXXX me .
After although at by for in like of to until