He was a longer time thinking what to say than one would have expected.
"If you can't render me the service I ask," said Newman, "say it out!" "Let me hear it again, distinctly," said Bellegarde.

"It's very important, you know.

I shall plead your cause with my sister, because you want--you want to marry her?
That's it, eh ?" "Oh, I don't say plead my cause, exactly; I shall try and do that myself.

But say a good word for me, now and then--let her know that you think well of me." At this, Bellegarde gave a little light laugh.
"What I want chiefly, after all," Newman went on, "is just to let you know what I have in mind.

I suppose that is what you expect, isn't it?
I want to do what is customary over here.