For might not the compliment be regarded as something of a back-hander?
"We can defer our decision till to-morrow.

Perhaps we had better, as you propose, call together.

I need not go straight to the point, but watch my opportunity and slip in a word edgeways." He audibly yawned--the hint, like the yawn, a broad one.

The lady did not take it, however.

So far she had held her own; more--had nicely secured her ends.