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. I really oughtn't to be alone with you at all until we're quite free….'
'But I feel we're engaged,' said Edith simply. 'Is it wrong to kiss your fiancée?'
'Engaged? Of course we're engaged. Wrong? Of course it's not wrong! Only… I can't! Haven't got the self-command…. I do believe you're made of ice, Edith—I've often thought so.'
'Yes,' said Edith, 'I dare say you're right.'