“I have come here,” he said, “to have a very serious conversation with you.”
“All right, Doctor. Fire away.”
This sudden whim of conferring on him a degree in divinity, and her change of manner—implying that she had been laughing at him before—irritated him. “I presume,” he said, “that you are acquainted with the movements of your brother.”
“Of Ned?” said Susanna, frowning a little. “No. What should I know about him?”
“He is, I believe, about to be married.”
“No!” screamed Susanna, throwing herself back, and making her bangles and ornaments clatter. “Get out, Doctor. You dont mean it.”
“Certainly I mean it. It is not my profession to jest. I must also tell you that his marriage will make it quite impossible for you to continue here with my cousin.”
“Why? Who is he going to marry?”
“Ahem! He has succeeded in engaging the affections of my sister.”
“What! Your sister? Marian Lind?”