It's a serious subject.

In fact I've more than once hesitated about going into this business at all.

It's mainly for your sake that I'm doing it." "Then don't do it," said the Major.

"I know quite well that you don't mean a word you say, but--" "I mean it all.

Am I the kind of man who says what he doesn't mean?
Come now, Major; you've known me a good many years, and we've been in some tight places together.