"I can talk patiently to a fool--to be able to do so is an elementary equipment for a life among men and women--" Why the deuce, thought I, wasn't he expending this precious acquirement on a platoon of agricultural recruits?
The officer who suffers such gladly has his name inscribed on the Golden Legend (unfortunately unpublished) of the British Army--"but when it comes," he went on, "to low-down lying knavery, then I'm done.

I don't know how to tackle it.
All I can do is to get out of the knave's way.

I've found Gedge to be a beast, and I'm very honourably in love with Gedge's daughter, and I've asked her to marry me.

I attach some value, Major, to your opinion of me, and I want you, to know these two facts." I again expressed my gratification at learning his honourable intentions towards Phyllis, and I commended his discovery of Gedge's fundamental turpitude.

I cannot say that I was cordial.