I, at any rate, was not involved in them.
I could have wrung him by the hand but for the inappropriateness of such a proceeding.

So far as he was concerned I could see that the matter was already done with.

His attention was beginning to wander to the mass of letters before him.
"Would you allow me to help your Grace with your correspondence ?" I suggested.

"I have no work at present." The Duke shook his head impatiently.
"I thank you," he said.

"My man of business will be here this morning, and he will attend to them.