I can imagine that, with the thought of your own composition in mind and doubtless worrying you, you might easily have--er--absentmindedly picked that book from the table here when you went out and taken it to your room without being conscious of the act.

I believe that to be quite possible, Edwards, and I am going to think it happened just that way.

I have never observed any signs of--er--dishonesty in you, my boy, and I don't think you are a liar.

We will consider that matter closed and we will both forget all about it." "Thank you, sir," replied Steve gratefully.
"But, Edwards, this seems to me a good time to tell you that--er--that your attitude toward--er--your work and toward those in authority has not been satisfactory.

You have--er--impressed me as a boy with, to use a vulgar expression, a grouch.