"Badly? For being in love?—You will have to wait."
"For being in love with a certain young lady."
"Ho-ho! That's very unlikely. Now, who is it? I'm all eagerness!"
She smiled at him archly.
He waited a moment; then, "I love Hattie Balcome."
"Hattie?" She found it impossible of comprehension.
"Hattie."
"Well,—that is—news."
He bowed, a little surprised. He had expected anger and vituperation.
"Of course, my son—— But as that can't be. And Sue—does Sue know?"
"I was just about to tell her."