So she tells him that she is afraid she does take an uncommon interest in his welfare, and that perhaps it would be as well for her to later on assume such a position as will give her the right to watch over him.
So it is nicely settled, and John feels supremely happy, just as all sincere and successful wooers have done from time immemorial.
After a short time John remembers that he meant to introduce a certain subject, and putting aside his feelings of new-found joy—there will be plenty of time for all that—he speaks of Sir Lionel.
"Now that you know I am not at all jealous, I want to talk about another. Sir Lionel Blunt."
Her face lights up with a smile.
"Perhaps I can guess what you would say."
"It is about the affair last night."
"Poor Sir Lionel is rather quiet to-day. He is not so young as he was, and I imagine that his severe exertions last night have caused him many twinges to-day."
"Perhaps. It was the most remarkable affair I ever witnessed."
"You saw it all?"