"Are you thinking of getting married?" she asked, with the real interest such a subject always rouses in woman.
"That depends," Mr. Withells said consciously, "on whether the lady I have in mind ... er ... shall we sit down, Miss Ross? It's rather hot in the walks."
"Oh, not yet," Jan exclaimed. She couldn't think why, but she began to feel uncomfortable. "I must see those Darwin tulips over there."
"It's very sunny over there," he objected. "Come down the nut-walk and see the myosotis arvensis; it is already in bloom, the weather has been so warm.
"Miss Ross," Mr. Withells continued seriously, as they turned into the nut-walk which led back towards the house, "we have known each other for a considerable time...."
"We have," said Jan, as he had paused, evidently expecting a reply.
"And I have come to have a great regard for you...."
Again he paused, and Jan found herself silently whispering, "Curtsy while you're thinking
—it saves time," but she preserved an outward silence.
"You are, if I may say so, the most sensible woman of my acquaintance."