He proposed to himself to ...??

[Caorthine]

Hello everyone

I'm in the process of translating Joseph Conrad's 'The Duel' and have come across some really confusing sentences. One of them is the following:

"Lieut. D'Hubert made his unabashed way across the room and, bowing low before a sylph-like form reclining on a couch, offered his apologies for this intrusion, which nothing could excuse but the extreme urgency of the service order he had to communicate to his comrade Feraud. He proposed to himself to return presently in a more regular manner and beg forgiveness for interrupting the interesting conversation . . ."

It's the first part of the last sentence I'm having difficulties with. What does the author mean by "He proposed to himself to return ...", i.e. what purpose has the word "himself"? Is it redundant, or does it serve a particular purpose? Is he thinking to himself that he would like to come back to the salon, or is he speaking directly to the woman on the couch?


I'd be grateful for any help you can give ...

[Anglika]

He is thinking to himself that he will come back

[Caorthine]

Thanks Anglika.