He was nervous, and had a timid manner.

Edwards was his opposite, being a man of robust frame, with a heavy face, and a manner that would have suggested self-confidence in another man.
They were true and tried friends.
"Dave, I couldn't ask her," said Young, trembling at the very thought.

"Besides, there's no hope for me.

I know it.

That's why I'm afraid, why I don't want to ask her.