You must have noticed my attentions of late, for I have shown a great deal of attention to both; it has been very marked.

Yet, Henry, I cannot tell which (both are such estimable persons) which I--should--ah--prefer.

And knowing your experience, a married man yourself, and your reading on such subjects,--novels are mostly based upon esteem,--I felt sure you could advise me." A droll look came into Mr.Dale's face, but he did not speak.
Feeling that he had made a clean breast of it, and that the responsibility of choice was shifted to his friend's shoulders, the lawyer, taking a last draught from the silver mug, and setting it down empty on the table, leaned comfortably back in his chair to await the decision.
There was a long silence; once Mr.Denner broke it by saying, "Of course, Henry, you see the importance of careful judgment," and then they were still again.
At last, Mr.Dale, with a long sigh, straightened up in his chair.

He lifted his white fluted china tea-cup, which had queer little chintz-like bunches of flowers over it and a worn gilt handle, and took a pinch of tea from the caddy; then, pouring some boiling water over it, he set it on the hob to steep.
"Denner," he said slowly, "which advice do you want?
Whether to do it at all, or which lady to choose ?" "Which lady, of course," answered Mr.Denner promptly.

"There can be but one opinion as to the first question." "Ah," responded Mr.Dale; then, a moment afterwards, he added, "Well"-- Mr.Denner looked at his friend, with eyes shining with excitement.