"A big 'if.' But you're not going to tell me so. You would surely have told me yesterday if you had meant that."
"Why shouldn't I if I want to?"
"I always keep out of personal things—even with pals. I strained a point with you last night for friendship, Ray. Is the deed done, or isn't it? If it is, there is nothing left but to congratulate you and wish you both luck."
"If it isn't?"
Mr. Waldron was cautious.
"You're not going to draw me till I know as much as you know, old chap.
Either you're engaged, or you're not."
"Say it's an open question—then what?"
"How can I say it's an open question after this? I'm not going to say a word about it."
"Well, I thought we were engaged; but it seems there's a bit of doubt in the air still."
"Then you'd better clear that doubt, before you mention the subject again. Until you and she agree about it, naturally it's nobody else's business."