"If you can't appreciate a pleasant hint I can easily accommodate you with the alternative." There was silence for a moment.
"Dysart," said Duane, "what chance do you think you'd have in landing the--alternative ?" "That concerns me," said Dysart; and the pinched muscles around the mouth grew whiter and the man looked suddenly older.

Duane had never before noticed how gray his temples were growing.
He said in a voice under perfect control: "You're right; the chances you care to take with me concern yourself.

As for your ill-humour, I suppose I have earned it by being attentive to your wife.

What is it you wish; that my hitherto very harmless attentions should cease ?" "Yes," said Dysart, and his square jaw quivered.
"Well, they won't.

It takes the sort of man you are to strike classical attitudes.