At length, in a low voice, she said:
"I do not see why."
"Susan!" began Doctor Alvin.
Then he hesitated, as if in doubt as to whether he should continue.
"I do not see why," repeated Susan, in the same low voice.
Doctor Alvin passed his hand over his forehead. He resumed:
"Susan, your father is coming back shortly. My guardianship is ended. Your father made me swear on Julia's coffin, that I would discourage in you all thoughts of marriage until he returned. He was afraid you might follow in Julia's footsteps. I was to represent sentiment as sentimentality, substitute art for love, and prevent your fancy crystallizing into some man-inspired desire. I have kept my promise. Your father will find you fancy-free, will he not?"
"Yes."
"But, Susan—" and Doctor Alvin's voice again expressed excitement. "But—"
Doctor Alvin's voice trembled so that he was obliged to start over again: