He says it involuntarily.

The relief is so great that it compels him to give himself away.
"Why, who else ?" says Tita.

"Who did _you_ think I meant ?" "Who _could_ I think ?" says he, recovering.

"Even now I am surprised.

Margaret, though very superior in most ways, is not always beloved." "But you love her ?" "Oh yes, _I_ do!" "I am glad of that," says Tita.