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.' 'And she keeps Bruce in a good temper?' said Mrs Ottley slyly. 'Well, why shouldn't she? I'm not afraid of Madame Frabelle,' Edith said, laughing. 'After all, Bruce may be thirty-seven, but she's fifty.' 'She's a wonderful woman,' admitted Mrs. Ottley, who had at first disliked her, but had come round, like everyone else. 'Very very nice; and really I do like her. But you know my old-fashioned ideas. I never approve of a third person living with a married couple.' 'Oh--living! She's only been with us about a month.' 'But you don't think she's going away before the end of the season?' 'You can't call it a season. And she can't easily settle down just now, on account of the war. Many of her relations are abroad, and some in the country. She hasn't made up her mind where to live yet. She has never had a house of her own since her husband died.' 'Yes, I see.' 'Do come, Mother!' urged Archie. 'All right, darling.' 'Will I have to take my hat off?' pouted Dilly, who had on a new hat with daisies round it, in which she looked like a baby angel. She had a great objection to removing it. 'Yes, dear. Why should you mind?' 'My hair will be all anyhow if I have to take it off in the theatre,' said Dilly. 'Don't be a silly little ass,' Archie murmured to his sister. 'Why, in some countries women would be sent to prison unless they took their hats off at a play!'