Bit by bit they began making small exploratory comments to one another — first about the train, then about the coach or about each other’s clothing, and finally, hintingly, at their destination.    From Wordnik.com.  [The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters]

He spoke hintingly of great lawyers.    From Wordnik.com.  [The Job An American Novel] Reference

"Unless ----" began Tom Halstead, hintingly, then paused.    From Wordnik.com.  [The Motor Boat Club and The Wireless Or, the Dot, Dash and Dare Cruise] Reference