As he had been born and bred in that western country where the very children have more independence than the carefully tamed grown people of the East, he ought to have been prepared for almost anything.

But his father had undermined his courage and independence; also his year in the East had given him somewhat different ideas of women.

Susan's announcement seemed incredible.

He was gathering himself for pouring out a fresh protest when it flashed through his mind--Why not?
She would go to Cincinnati.

He could follow in a few days or a week--and then-- Well, at least they would be free and could have many happy days together.
"Why, how could you get to Cincinnati ?" he said.