"Gone such a mucker over it?" suggested he.
Yes, that was what she meant. His sympathy, his indulgent understanding of her troubles, above all, his renewal of good-fellowship was enough; she did not require his heart and hand, and with tact insinuated that he might retain them.
"You know you don't want to marry, Val."
"I've got to, though," said he.
"Why have you got to? Can't you go on as you are?"
"Gran says not. When she dies——"
"I see, you would be alone. But then, she may live long enough."
"That's what I say. There's no hurry. I've often said that, but gran gets nervous, and she always does like to boss, you know."
"It's a good thing it was me you spoke to," said Leo, jumping up, after a time. "You might have got caught, whereas now no one need ever know. Come along"—and she stepped forward.
"I'm not to tell gran, then?" Already he was under a new thumb.