"It is possible, however, that Father might have perused the more brilliant dovody [Russ: "arguments" - DBJ], rubbed his chin between thumb and index, then perhaps pursed his lips as he sometimes did in mock chagrin, and said "Maybe I didn't realize it and they're right."
Warm greetings to all,
Dmitri
Dear Dmitri,
In the quote you playfully imagine what your father might have said and you paint a convincing and very characteristic image of your father. It suggests that you think he didn't want anyone to solve his riddle - - or even that there was no solution.
Chagrins all 'round?
Carolyn