'
She stopped him. 'I know you did, my dear, and I don't blame you a bit.
She's absolutely loyal. But now, listen. Has nothing occurred to you
about her?'
'Nothing, except that I'm hoping to get rid of her as soon as possible.'
'She's madly in love with you, Aylmer.'
He looked contemptuous.
'She's a dear girl,' said Edith. 'I feel quite fond of her.'
'Really, I don't see how she comes in. You are perverse, Edith!'
'I'm not perverse. I see things.'
'She's never shown the slightest sign of it,' said Aylmer. 'I think it's
your imagination. But even if it's not, it isn't my business,
nor yours.'
'I think it is, a little.'
'If you talk like that, I'll send her away today.'
'Oh, Aylmer! how ungrateful of you to say such a thing! She's been an
angel.'
He spoke wearily. 'I don't want _angels_! I want _you_!' He suddenly
leant forward and took her hands.
She laughed nervously. 'What a compliment.'
Then she disengaged herself and stood up.
Aylmer sighed. 'Now you're going to say, Ought you to talk so much? What
is your temperature? Oh, women _are_ irritating, even the nicest,
confound them!'
Edith was unable to help laughing.
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