I hate saying this, St.Ives; it looks like hitting a man when he's down, you know; and I told the Major I very much disliked it from the first.
However, it had to be said; and now it has been, and, between gentlemen, it shouldn't be necessary to refer to it again.' 'It's compromising; it doesn't lead to anything; not the kind of man,' I repeated thoughtfully.

'Yes, I believe I understand, and shall make haste to put myself _en regle_.' I stood up, and laid my segar down.
'Mr.Gilchrist,' said I, with a bow, 'in answer to your very natural observations, I beg to offer myself as a suitor for your sister's hand.
I am a man of title, of which we think lightly in France, but of ancient lineage, which is everywhere prized.

I can display thirty-two quarterings without a blot.

My expectations are certainly above the average: I believe my uncle's income averages about thirty thousand pounds, though I admit I was not careful to inform myself.

Put it anywhere between fifteen and fifty thousand; it is certainly not less.' 'All this is very easy to say,' said Ronald, with a pitying smile.
'Unfortunately, these things are in the air.' 'Pardon me,--in Buckinghamshire,' said I, smiling.
'Well, what I mean is, my dear St.Ives, that you _can't prove_ them,' he continued.