I cannot conceive how any man can ask another to try to win for him a lady whom he knows the other man desires to win for himself.

You have made some requests before that were rather astounding, but this one overshadows them all." "I admit," said Lawrence, "that what I ask is somewhat out of the way, but you must consider the circumstances.

Suppose I had met you in mortal combat, and I had dropped my sword where you could reach it and I could not; would you pick it up and give it to me?
or would you run me through ?" "I don't think that comparison is altogether a good one," said Junius.
"Yes, it is," said Lawrence, "and covers the case entirely.

I am here, disabled, and if you pick up my sword, as I have just asked you to do, it is not to be assumed that your action gives me the victory.

It merely gives me an equal chance with yourself." "Do you mean," said Junius, "that you want me to go to Miss March, and deliberately ask her if she will marry you ?" "No," said Lawrence, "I have done that myself.