It was a compromise between wanting to ignore the sotto Voce of thought that told him to give what he had and that which made him into a culprit for wanting to keep it for himself.
"An Apostate: Nawin of Thais"
Steven Sills
Ma forte not too mezza Voce!
"Atlantis"
Gerhart Hauptmann
As you know, Rogers, or as you ought to know; for I think I have never concealed my views-' 'No, you certainly have not, old man,' put in Rogers sotto Voce.
"Ghost Stories of an Antiquary"
M. R. James