'I suppose you'll order a delicious pudding?'
* * * * *
She went to fetch the children, who were excited at the prospect of a theatre. The elder Mrs Ottley was a pleasant woman, who understood and was utterly devoted to her daughter-in-law. Fond as she was of her son, she marvelled at Edith's patience and loved her as much as she loved Bruce. Though she had never been told, for she was the sort of woman who does not require to be told things in order to know them, she knew every detail of the sacrifice Edith had once made. She had been almost as charmed by Aylmer Ross as her daughter-in-law was, and she had considered Edith's action nearly sublime. But she had never believed Edith was at that time really in love with Aylmer. She had said, after Bruce's return: 'It mustn't happen again, you know, Edith.'
'What mustn't?'
'Don't spoil Bruce. You've made it almost too easy for him. Don't let him think he can always be running away and coming back!'
'No, never again,' Edith had answered, with a laugh.
Now they never spoke of the subject. It was a painful one to Mrs Ottley.
Today that lady seemed inclined to detain Edith, and make her—as Archie feared—late for the rising of the curtain.
'You really like Madame Frabelle so much, dear?'
'Really I do,' said Edith. 'The more I know her, the more I like her. She's the most good-natured, jolly, kind woman I've ever seen. Landi likes her too. That's a good sign.'