Edith’s surprise was evidently not great.
“I had an inkling of it. And now please answer my question quite as straightforwardly. Do you believe that the British army will be victorious?”
“I would not permit myself to give an opinion on this point, Mrs. Irwin.”
“But you must have an idea. And I would give a great deal to know what it is.”
“Well, then—I believe in English bravery, but not in English victory.”
She heaved a deep sigh, but she nodded her head in assent, as if he had only expressed her own conviction. Then she gave him her hand and said softly—
“I thank you for your confidence, and as a matter of course no one shall ever learn from me who you are. But now I must insist more than ever that you leave us for your own safety’s sake.”
“And if I were to refuse? Supposing that in my position as soldier I were to consider it to be my duty not to leave you in the lurch? Would you be angry with me? Would you no longer permit me to enjoy the happiness of your society?”
Her breast heaved, but she bowed her head and was silent. Heideck plainly saw the glistening tears which stole from under her eyelids, and slowly rolled down her delicate cheek.
That was answer enough for him. He bowed, and kissing both her hands, whispered—