... I feel I
shall come back all right.... Look here, darling, you need not be
unhappy with Bruce. We're not going to deceive him. And when I come
back, we'll tell him. Not till then. There is really no need.'
They walked together to the Annexe, which was entered by a small flight
of stone steps from the garden. Here Aylmer had a little suite of rooms.
Edith went into the sitting-room with him and looked round.
'It's ten o'clock and you're here for your health! Call Headley and go
to bed, there's a good boy.'
He held both her hands.
'I mustn't ask you to stay.'
'_Aylmer_! With Dilly here! And Bruce let me come down to look after
you! He was quite nice about it.'
'All right, dear, all right.... I know. No. I'm looking forward to when
I come back.... Go, dear, go.'
Edith walked very slowly down the steps again. He followed her back into
the garden.
'And suppose--you didn't come back,' she said in a very low voice.
Aylmer glanced round: there was no-one in the garden.
'I'm on my honour here,' he said. 'Go, dear, go. Go in to Dilly.' He
gave her a little push.
'One kiss,' said Edith.
He smiled.
'Darling girl, I've told you before that's a thing I can't do.
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