If it is a true interest, it will lead you to merit her good opinion by complying with her request.

Tell me plainly, if you please.

Will you come and see us, in the character of a gentleman who has satisfied two ladies that they can receive him as a neighbor and a friend?
Or will you oblige me to warn the rector of Dimchurch that his daughter is in danger of permitting a doubtful character to force his acquaintance on her ?" He put the vase back on the table, and turned deadly pale.
"If you knew what I have suffered," he said; "if you had gone through what I have been compelled to endure--" His voice failed him; his soft brown eyes moistened; his head drooped.

He said no more.
In common with all women, I like a man to _be_ a man.

There was, to my mind, something weak and womanish in the manner in which this Dubourg met the advance which I had made to him.