'
She rang for tea.
'And that's even meaner. It's treacherous,' he said, laughing.
She sat down on a chair at a little distance.
'Angel!' he said, in a low, distinct voice.
'It is not for me to dictate,' said Edith, in a tone of command, 'but I
should think it more sensible of you not to say these things to
me--just now.'
The servant came in with tea.
CHAPTER XXIV
Just before Archie went back to school he made a remark that impressed
Edith strangely. Quite dressed and ready to start, as he was putting on
his gloves, he fell into one of his reveries. After being silent for
some time he said:
'Mother!'
'Yes, darling?'
'Why doesn't father fight?'
'I told you before, darling. Your father is not very strong.'
'Mother!'
'Yes, dear?'
'Is Aylmer older than father?'
'Yes. Aylmer's four years older. Why?'
'I don't know. I wish I had a father who could fight, like Aylmer. And
I'd like to fight too, like Teddy.'
'Aylmer hasn't any wife and children to leave. Teddy's eighteen; you're
only ten.'
'Mother!'
'Yes, dear?'
'I wish I was old enough to fight. And I wish father was stronger.... Do
you think I shall ever fight in this war?'
'Good heavens, dear! I hope it isn't going to last seven years more.
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