Bluffly

And this in the second paragraph of the first page of the chapter about his friend — the one he is later on bluffly cheering up about his sand-castle masculinity … ❋ Unknown (2009)

Sure, she says bluffly, “You can make love with your partner and not pay any attention to them whatsoever.” ❋ LAURIE ABRAHAM (2010)

He disliked Melbourne Smith intensely but hid it well under a bluffly hearty manner. ❋ Allie Dresser (2010)

I felt a real identification with that maybe-rabbit, and a confused non-identification with Herman Kahn and his bluffly presented concentric circles of blast zones. ❋ Unknown (2009)

Elias, having settled into unregistered domesticity with a more stable consort than his incarcerated wife, offered scant opposition when Bob Pender, a bluffly respectable man, invited Archie to join his newest venture: the Pender Troupe was taking its act to America. ❋ Miranda Seymour (2009)

(He candidly says, "I don't need to read the scholars," and bluffly claims to rely on direct experience rather than the study of history or religion.) ❋ Unknown (2003)

“Lonely, eh?” she mused, abrupt and bluffly kind as ❋ Unknown (2004)

Then he bluffly alleged an errand in the PLAGWITZERSTRASSE, and went off in an opposite direction to that which his companion had to take. ❋ Unknown (2003)

Then Minta Doyle, whose instinct was fine, said bluffly, absurdly, that she did not believe that any one really enjoyed reading Shakespeare. ❋ Unknown (2002)

"Good Christ, man, " Baird said bluffly, embarrassed by the tears that dropped onto the table. ❋ Cornwell, Bernard, 1944- (2001)

"Nonsense," said Hornblower, as bluffly as he could manage. ❋ Forester, C. S. (1962)

That evening, however, Lois sent for Leverich, who was evidently bothered; though bluffly and rather irritatingly making light of her fears, he seemed to be both a little reluctant and a little contemptuous. ❋ Various (N/A)

"How!" returned the captain bluffly, disdaining the hand with a recollection of sundry petty thefts. ❋ Various (N/A)

The general character of the hills in every direction except the snowy range, is bluffly rounded, very bare, and brown, with here and there a shrub. ❋ William Griffith (N/A)

Geoffrey was bluffly gratified at the materialization of his private hopes, and Elisabeth had never appeared more captivating than during the few days that immediately followed. ❋ Margaret Pedler (N/A)

"Nonsense, me dear Molly," said Mr. McEachern bluffly. ❋ Unknown (1928)