"And why?" she asked.
There was only one possible answer to this question, and Hughie should have given it with the full strength of his heart and soul and body. But—well, reserve is a curious and paralysing thing. All he said was,—
"I think it would be very suitable; don't you?"
"For you or for me?" inquired Miss Gaymer.
"For both of us," replied Hughie. "No—for me!" he added, his habitual modesty getting the better of him.
"In what way?" continued Miss Gaymer, with unnatural calm.
"Well—Uncle Jimmy was very keen about it," said Hughie desperately.
"You're a dutiful nephew, Hughie," observed Joan approvingly.
"And then," continued the suitor, "as I have been made your guardian, and all that, I think I am in a position to take care of you, and look after your money, and so on."
"You mean it would make it easier for you to manage my affairs?" said Miss Gaymer helpfully.