I have thought, I have pondered, I have given the matter deep and, I may add without irreverence, prayerful consideration, knowing that the life's happiness of my closest friend depended on my judgment and wisdom and intelligence to secure for him the opportunity to crown his life's work by the acquisition of the brightest jewel in the diadem of old Manhattan.
"By George! that's wickedly good, though!" chuckled Mortimer, refreshing himself with his old stand-by, an apple, quartered, and soaked in very old port.

So he sopped his apple and swallowed it, and picked up his pen again, chary of overdoing it.
All I say to you is, be ready! The time is close at hand when you may boldly make your avowal.

But be ready! All depends upon the psychological moment.

An instant too soon, an instant too late, and you are lost.

And she is lost forever.