In Shakespeare's "Hamlet," Claudius wants make a fast move and achieve permanent acceptance as the new king of Denmark. Thus, he pretends to feel mournful for his dead brother and to ease his brother's wife by marrying her. The reason is that he wishes to hurry so that everyone gets over the king's death soon. Besides, he claims that Denmark is at war, so he makes as if he were an honest man who actually wants to do the best for his his country.
Construed means to interpret, they interpreted that they pushed their limits since the librarian stomped into the reading room with a scowl on his face.
