Dear Mrs.Woodville, bear with an old fellow who is under the charm! Don't grudge me my innocent little pleasures.
Lend me--I wish I could say _give_ me--this pretty hand.

I am such an admirer of pretty hands! I can listen so much better with a pretty hand in mine.

The ladies indulge my weakness.

Please indulge me too.

Yes?
And what were you going to say ?" "I was going to say, Major, that I felt particularly sensible of your kind welcome because, as it happens, I have a favor to ask of you." I was conscious, while I spoke, that I was approaching the object of my visit a little too abruptly.