My heavens, this is astonishing! -

A little impatient, she continued. "Do you know my brother, Thomas Howard? He entered the Catholic Church some years ago. I only wish I had his courage."

"Cowardice, I suppose. My listeners and readers simply would not understand."

She may also wonder why bother at this late date; it probably doesn't even matter.

But, goodness, is this authentic? ... and, well, should a presumably private conversation be made so public?!