‘I can. But you must promise two things: That you won’t be offended at my guess; and that you candidly admit whether I am correct in my guess.’
‘I promise.’
‘Give me your hand.’
Septimus placed his trembling fingers in the strong grasp of the widow. ‘You are at this moment contemplating matrimony.’
‘That is correct,’ said Septimus.
‘The lady is a widow.’
‘Wonderful!’ cried Septimus. ‘Can you tell me her name?’
‘My powers do not extend so far,’ returned Mrs Fraser.
‘Your successful guess, my dear Mrs Fraser, has helped me out of a great difficulty.’
‘How so?’