"Rash, of course; very young men are likely to be rash--and perhaps more hopeful than some of us older and--ahem--wiser persons might be under the same circumstances.

But he is well-meaning and persevering.

I have no doubt he will manage to pick up a few crumbs, here and there.

I may be able to throw a few in his way.

There are always cases--ah--which I can't--or don't wish to--accept." When this remark was repeated to Captain Obed the latter sniffed.
"Humph!" he observed, "I don't know what they are.