'
'Well, my dear Miss Clay--of course, I shall hate you to go,' he said
politely, 'but don't you think we ought to be thinking--'
He stopped.
She answered:
'Of course I'll go whenever you and Dr Wood think it right.'
'You see,' he went on, 'I know I shall need a housekeeper, especially
when Teddy comes back. He's coming back on leave next week'--Aylmer
glanced at the telegram in his hand--'and, well--'
'You don't think I could--'
'Of course you would make a splendid housekeeper,' he laughed. 'You are
already, but--'
She didn't wish to make him uncomfortable. Evidently he was thinking
what she knew herself. But she was so reluctant to go.
'Don't you think I could remain here for a little while?' she said
modestly. 'To do the housekeeping and be useful? You see, I've nowhere
to go really.'
'But, my dear girl, excuse me, don't you see you're rather too--young.
It would be selfish of me to let you.'
He wished to say that it would be compromising, but a certain
consciousness prevented his saying it. He felt he would be ridiculous if
he put it into words.
'Just as you like. How soon do you think I ought to go?'
Though she tried not to show it, there was a look almost of despair in
her face.
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