Redmond's face fell. "I hoped you liked me a little better than that," said he.
"It isn't a question of you."
"But it's a question of you with me," he cried. "I'm in love with you, Lorna. I'm—I'm tempted to say all sorts of crazy things that I think but haven't the courage to act on." He kneeled down beside her, put his arms round her waist. "I'm crazy about you, Lorna. . . . Tell me—— Were you—— Had you been—before we met?"
"Yes," said Susan.
"Why don't you deny it?" he exclaimed. "Why don't you fool me, as Etta fooled Gus?"
"Etta's story is different from mine," said Susan. "She's had no experience at all, compared to me."
"I don't believe it," declared he. "I know she's been stuffing Fatty, has made him think that you led her away. But I can soon knock those silly ideas out of his silly head——"
"It's the truth," interrupted Susan, calmly.
"No matter. You could be a good woman." Impulsively, "If you'll settle down and be a good woman, I'll marry you."
Susan smiled gently. "And ruin your prospects?"