So-called Staircase Wit is another example, where we key ourselves up for an important event — an interview, say, or a date — rehearsing how we are going to present ourselves and what we are going to say. Then afterwards we lie awake thinking of all the witty, intelligent, charming things we should have done and said, and didn't because we were so busy trying to remember and revise the plan. . . .

I almost starved myself, till I once more got beforehand in the world.

She was asserting ecclesiastical suzerainty as 'highbishop' much as the Ui Nelll kings of Tara were claiming suzerainty over other provincial kings.

Forget about false modesty, not to mention its nonfalse counterpart.