“Suppose Lucy marries Cecil, would she live in a flat, or in the country?”

“Don't interrupt so foolishly. Where was I? Oh yes — 'Young people must decide for themselves. I know that Lucy likes your son, because she tells me everything, and she wrote to me from Rome when he asked her first.' No, I'll cross that last bit out — it looks patronizing. I'll stop at 'because she tells me everything.' Or shall I cross that out, too?”

“Cross it out, too,” said Freddy.

Mrs. Honeychurch left it in.

“Then the whole thing runs: 'Dear Mrs. Vyse. — Cecil has just asked my permission about it, and I should be delighted if Lucy wishes it, and I have told Lucy so.