‘No, not a word. I suddenly thought I would go there and ask her — and her father happened to come instead of her — so I asked him first.’

‘If you could have her?’ concluded Gerald.

‘Ye-es, that.’

‘And you didn’t speak to her?’

‘Yes. She came in afterwards. So it was put to her as well.’

‘It was! And what did she say then? You’re an engaged man?’

‘No, — she only said she didn’t want to be bullied into answering.’

‘She what?’

‘Said she didn’t want to be bullied into answering.’