I might have done it a few weeks ago, but not as I am now.

This is my night, my beautiful Joan.

You have given it to me.

After all this fencing, as you call it, you are here with me alone, as far away from the old foolishness as if you were out at sea.

What I have to say is so much a private thing, and what I may have to do so much a matter to be treated with the profoundest solemnity that we must run no risk of disturbance.