'I suppose you didn't mention—'
'Mention what?'
'Edith!'
'Yes?'
He cleared his throat and then said with an effort of self-assertion that she thought at once ridiculous and touching:
'Look here, I don't wish to blame you in any way for what—er— arrangements you like to make in your own household. But—er—have you written to Miss Townsend?'
'Yes; she won't come back.'
'Er—but won't she ask why?'
'I hope not.'
'Why?' asked Bruce, with a tinge of defiance.