"No," said Muriel. "He asked me."
"But, my dear, he hasn't been here for nearly two weeks. It was—let me see—yes, it will be two weeks to-morrow evening."
"That was when he asked me, Aunty."
Mrs. Newberry's embrace relaxed. She looked hurt.
"And you never told me! I think that implies a lack of confidence—a lack of affection, Muriel."
"I don't know. I wanted to think it over first."
"Think it over! What was there to debate, I should like to know?"
"A good deal, it seemed to me; and anyhow, Aunty, I think this is the sort of thing a girl has to decide for herself—if she can."
"Where ever did you get such notions? A girl never can decide it for herself."
Muriel's answering smile was rueful.