But he knew that the opportunity must not be lost, and he did not waste time.

He spoke quietly, not wishing to risk a dramatic effect until he could count on his own rather slight histrionic powers.
"So it seems impossible to you, Donna Beatrice," he said, in a musing tone.

"Well, I daresay it does.

Many things must seem impossible to you which are rather startling facts to me.

I am older than you, I am a man, and I have been a soldier.