She came nearer. Aylmer gently pushed her away.
'How unkind you are!' she said, colouring a little with hurt feeling.
'I can't do that sort of thing,' said Aylmer in a low voice. 'When once you've given me your promise—but not before.'
'Oh, Aylmer!'
'I won't rush you. You'll see I'm right in time, dear girl.'
'You don't love me!' suddenly exclaimed Edith.
'But that's where you're wrong. I do love you. And I wish you'd go.'
She looked into his eyes, and then said, looking away:
'Are you really going out of town?'
'I'm ordered to. But I doubt if I can stand it.'