'I'm not going to let Mrs Ottley know anything about it for the present.'
'You're not going to tell her?'
'No. I shall invent a story to account for his absence. No-one need know. But, of course, if, later—I mean if he persists—'
'Oh, Edith, don't be a fool! You're throwing away our happiness when you've got it in your hand.'
'There are some things that one can't do.' said Edith. 'It goes against the grain. I can't take advantage of his folly to make the path smoother—for myself. What will become of him when they quarrel! It's all nonsense. Bruce is only weak. He's a very good fellow, really. He has no spirit, and not much intellect; but with us to look after him,' she unconsciously said us, and could not help smiling at the absurdity of it,' he will get along all right yet.'
'Edith, you're beyond me,' said Aylmer. 'I give up understanding you.'
She stood up again and looked out of the window.
'Let him have his silly holiday and his elopement and his trip! He thinks it will make a terrific sensation! And I hope she will be seasick. I'm sure she will; she's the sort of woman who would, and then—after—'
'And you'll take him back? You have no pride, Edith.'
She turned round. 'Take him back?—yes; officially. He has a right to live in his own house, with his own children. Why, ever since I found out about Miss Townsend … I'm sure I was nice to him, but only like a sister. Yes. I feel just like a sister to him now.'