If I were a business man, I could conduct my business.

But I am a soldier, and not a clever soldier.
Jealousy, a continual and irritable curiosity--there is no Paul Pry like your blind man--a querulous claim upon your attention--these are my special dangers." And Ethne laughed gently in contradiction of his argument.
"Well, perhaps one may hold them off," he acknowledged, "but they are to be considered.

I have considered them.

I am not speaking to you without thought.

I have pondered and puzzled over the whole matter night after night since I got your letter, wondering what I should do.