Susan accepted the situation, and stood patiently awaiting the end of my meditations.
"Sit down, Susan," I said at last.
She sat down.
"I am obliged to ask you a few plain questions."
"Yes, Miss."
"If it turns out that he is really in earnest, do you wish to marry Lord Ruddington?"
"Oh yes, Miss, please!"
"You don't understand. In his letter he asks if you are free--if your affection is still yours to give. Now, is there anybody else that you're promised to already?"
"Oh no, Miss!"
"Not Gibson?"