If I _were_ twenty years younger," he went on, addressing himself to Geoffrey, "and if I _did_ step out on the lawn with you, the result wouldn't affect the question between us in the least.

I don't say that the violent bodily exercises in which you are famous have damaged your muscular power.

I assert that they have damaged your vital power.

In what particular way they have affected it I don't consider myself bound to tell you.

I simply give you a warning, as a matter of common humanity.