It should have been answered without the slightest hesitation.

Moreover, the girl had expected him to ask it.
Yet, for a moment, she did hesitate.
"I mean," continued Captain Elisha, "do you care for him _enough_?
Enough to live with him all your life, and see him every day, and be to him what a true wife ought to be?
See him, not with his company manners on or in his automobile, but at the breakfast table, and when he comes home tired and cross, maybe.

When you've got to be forbearin' and forgivin' and--" "He is one of my oldest and best friends--" she interrupted.

Her uncle went on without waiting for her to end the sentence.
"I know," he said.

"One of the oldest, that's sure.