I adjured him [adjured = command or enjoin solemnly, as under oath]
I am not without a lurking suspicion
I bemoaned my unlucky fate
I could almost allege it as a supreme example
I have somewhat overshot the mark
I lost myself in a reverie of gratitude
I made bold to retort
I must hazard the story
I was extremely perplexed
I will permit myself the liberty of saying