If I were asked to write against them, I should have but to quote them to confound my argument.

I tried it once, and wasted a couple of my precious hours.' 'They are cogent debaters,' Dacier assented.

'They make me wince now and then, without convincing me: I own it to you.

The confession is not agreeable, though it's a small matter.' 'One's pride may feel a touch with the foils as keenly as the point of a rapier,' said Diana.
The remark drew a sharp look of pleasure from him.
'Does the Princess Egeria propose to dismiss the individual she inspires, when he is growing most sensible of her wisdom ?' 'A young Minister of State should be gleaning at large when holiday is granted him.' Dacier coloured.

'May I presume on what is currently reported ?' 'Parts, parts; a bit here, a bit there,' she rejoined.