'I know. But I may have been wrong. Besides, I didn't care for him as I do now. And I'm older now.'
'Isn't this rather sudden, my dear?'
'Only because I've let myself go—let myself be natural! Oh, do encourage me—give me strength, Landi! Don't let me be a coward! Think if Aylmer goes out again and is killed, how miserable I should feel to have refused him and disappointed him—for the second time!'
'Wait a moment, Edith. Suppose, as you say, he goes out again and is killed, and you haven't disappointed him, what would your position be then?'
She couldn't answer.
'How is it your conscientiousness with regard to Bruce doesn't come in the way now? Why would it ruin him less now than formerly?'
'Bruce doesn't seem to matter so much.'
'Because he isn't fighting?' asked Sir Tito.
'Oh no, Landi! I never thought of that. But you know he always imagines himself ill, and he's quite all right really. He'll enjoy his grievance. I know he won't be unhappy. And he's older, and he's not tied to that silly, mad girl he ran away with. And besides, I'm older. This is probably my last chance!'
She looked at Landi imploringly, as if begging his permission.