[Veidt's earlier agitation and ferocity are now completely gone, to all outward appearances, and he sips his tea with his customary serenity. After a couple of minutes of quiet, he speaks again, his voice mild, speculative.]

I imagine that this [the gesture Veidt makes with his mug hand seems at once vague and very, very specific] must all seem somewhat overwhelming. It...wouldn't be unusual, after all.