Only because what we call modesty is awkward bashfulness and 'mauvaise honte'.

By this modesty I do not mean timidity and awkward bashfulness.

It is equally inconsistent with a stiff formality, an impertinent forwardness, and an awkward bashfulness.

They may justly remove all, timidity, awkward bashfulness, low diffidence of one's self, and mean abject complaisance to every or anybody's opinion.

I have often intended to speak to you about the subject of this letter, and have always been restrained by a certain awkward bashfulness.