I know now that I erred greatly.

I acknowledge my fault, and that my conduct was base and unknightly, and my only excuse is the great love I bore you.
"And which," the lady said sarcastically, "you have now transferred to my daughter.

I congratulate you, Sir James, upon the possession of a ready wit and an invention which does not fail you at a pinch, and of a tongue which repeats unfalteringly any fable which your mind may dictate.

You do not, I suppose, expect me to believe the tale.

Still, I own that it is a well-devised one, and might, at a pinch, pass muster; but fear not, Sir James.