"Oh, I beg of you," Susanna politely hastened to accede.
"There is another subject equally near my heart," said he.
Her eyes were full of expectancy.
"Yes—?" she encouraged him.
"I was disappointed not to find you at home when I called yesterday," said he. "I rejoice for a hundred reasons that chance has led to our meeting this morning. Not to mention ninety-nine of them, I am anxious to discharge, with as little loss of time as may be, the very onerous debt I owe you."
Susanna opened her eyes, in puzzlement.
"A debt? I am your creditor unawares."
"My debt of apologies and condolences," he explained.
She knitted her brows, in mental effort.
"I am ignorant alike of my grievance and of your offence," she said.