"Granted that such a report were true, I fail to see where the madness comes in.

Any man might consider himself fortunate in winning the affections of a woman like Leah Jacobi." "And you are engaged to her?
Speak out, man; I suppose you don't intend to keep your engagement dark ?" "Of course not," angrily; but Cedric's manner was decidedly embarrassed, and he seemed unwilling to look Malcolm in the face.

"But I must tell you, Herrick, that I strongly object to the way you are questioning me.

I don't want to quarrel with you, but what the deuce can it matter to you if I choose to keep my private affairs to myself for a week or two! I have reasons of my own for not wishing my sisters to hear of my engagement for a fortnight or so.

I--I," hesitating and floundering in his sentence, "meant to tell them myself, and to introduce Leah to them.