'He seems to have behaved most generously and charmingly. Do you think
he is in love with her, Landi?'
'Very likely he will be now.'
'And she--she adores Aylmer. Will she fall in love with Valdez out of
gratitude?'
'C'est probable. C'est a esperer.... Enfin-mais toi, mon enfant?'
'And where is Madame Frabelle?' asked Landi.
Edith looked at the postmark.
'Apparently she's at Liverpool, of all places; but she may be going
somewhere else. I haven't got her address. She says she'll write.'
'C'est ca.... When does Aylmer return to the front?'
'He goes before the Board tomorrow and will know then.'
That evening, when Bruce came in, Edith was struck by his paleness and
depression; and she began to think Madame Frabelle was right; he must be
really ill. Then, if he was, could she, later, be so cruel as to leave
him? She was in doubt again....
'Very bad news in the evening papers,' he said.
'Is it so bad?'
'Edith,' said Bruce, rather solemnly, without listening, 'I want to
speak to you after dinner. I have something serious to say to you'.
'Really?'
'Yes, really.'
Edith wondered. Could Bruce suspect anything? But apparently he didn't,
since he spoke in a very friendly way of Aylmer, saying that he hoped he
wouldn't stop away long.
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