We discussed the merits of the wine before us, and it was not until later in the course of the repast that John Turner again reverted to my affairs.

If these portions of our talk alone are reported, the reader must kindly remember that they are at all events relevant to the subject, however unworthy, of this narrative.
"So," said my stout companion when the coffee was served, "you are tricking the father so that you may make love to the daughter ?" This view of the matter did not commend itself to my hearing.

Indeed, the truth so often gives offence that it is no wonder so few deal in it.

A quick answer was on my tongue, but fortunately remained there.
I--who had never been too difficult in such matters--did not like something in my friend's voice that savoured of disrespect towards Mademoiselle de Clericy.

In a younger man I might have been tempted to allow such a hint to develop into something stronger which would offer me the satisfaction of throwing the speaker down the stairs.