'May I say one word? I can't say half enough of my gratitude for your kindness and friendship, but, apart from that, may I mention that I fear your husband _is very unwell indeed_, his nerves are in a terrible state, and I think his condition is more serious than you suppose. He should be humoured in everything, not worried, and allowed to do whatever he likes. Don't oppose any of his wishes, dear. I say this for your and his own good. Don't be angry with him or anybody. Never think me wanting in gratitude and friendship. 'Truly, I am still your affectionate friend, 'EGLANTINE.' What a strange letter. How like her to lay down the law about Bruce! It irritated Edith a little, also it made the future seem harder. About four o'clock Landi called unexpectedly. He always came just when Edith wanted him most, and now she confided in him and told him of her promise to Aylmer. He approved of their resolution to wait till Aylmer returned from the front and to have nothing on their conscience before. He was indeed much relieved at the postponement. 'And how is the Spanish girl?' he asked. 'How does she get on with Lady Conroy?' 'Oh, all right. She's not Spanish at all. She had rather a blow last week, poor girl. Her father nearly went bankrupt; she was quite in despair. It seems your friend Valdez came to the rescue in the most generous way, and she's immensely grateful.' 'He helped her, did he?' said Landi, smiling. 'He seems to have behaved most generously and charmingly. Do you think he is in love with her, Landi?' 'Very likely he will be now.' 'And she--she adores Aylmer. Will she fall in love with Valdez out of gratitude?' 'C'est probable. C'est a esperer.... Enfin-mais toi, mon enfant?' 'And where is Madame Frabelle?' asked Landi. Edith looked at the postmark. 'Apparently she's at Liverpool, of all places; but she may be going somewhere else. I haven't got her address. She says she'll write.' 'C'est ca.... When does Aylmer return to the front?' 'He goes before the Board tomorrow and will know then.' That evening, when Bruce came in, Edith was struck by his paleness and depression; and she began to think Madame Frabelle was right; he must be really ill. Then, if he was, could she, later, be so cruel as to leave him? She was in doubt again.... 'Very bad news in the evening papers,' he said. 'Is it so bad?' 'Edith,' said Bruce, rather solemnly, without listening, 'I want to speak to you after dinner. I have something serious to say to you'. 'Really?' 'Yes, really.' Edith wondered. Could Bruce suspect anything? But apparently he didn't, since he spoke in a very friendly way of Aylmer, saying that he hoped he wouldn't stop away long.... The dinner passed in trivial conversation. She described Eastcliff, the hotel, the people. Bruce appeared absent-minded. After dinner she went to join him in the library, where he was smoking, and said: 'Well, Bruce, what is it you have to say to me?'