As it is, I'm in doubt.

Do you understand ?" The squirrel ran out to the end of the limb and sat down.

It was an act of deliberation.
"Well, why don't you answer ?" I was startled to my feet by the laughter which followed my question.
A few yards behind me stood Gretchen.
"Can't you find a better confidant ?" she asked, "Yes, but she will not be my confidant," said I.

I wondered how much she had heard of the one-sided dialogue.

"Will you answer the question I just put to that squirrel of yours ?" "And what was the question ?" with innocence not feigned.
"Perhaps it was, Why should Gretchen not revoke the promise to which she holds me ?" "You should know, Herr," said Gretchen, gently.
"But I do not.