'Of course, you were going to say, after that sentence about "_you know how strongly I disapprove_," etc., something like, "_But, of course, there are exceptions to every rule, and in this particular instance I really think that I had better_," and so on. Weren't you?' 'Odd. Very odd you should get it into your head that I should have any idea of leaving you. Is that why you're looking so cheerful--laughing so much?' 'Am I laughing? I thought I was only smiling.' 'I don't think it's a kind thing to smile at the idea of my going away. However, I'm sorry to disappoint you'--Bruce spoke rather bitterly--'very sorry indeed, for I see what a blow it will be to you. But, as a matter of fact, I had not intention _whatever_ of leaving you at all, except, perhaps, for a few hours at a time. However, of course, if you wish it very much I might arrange to make it longer. Or even to remain away altogether, if you prefer it.' 'Oh, Bruce, don't talk such nonsense! You know I wish nothing of the kind. What's this about a few hours at a time?' 'Naturally,' Bruce said, getting up and looking in the glass; 'naturally, when one has an invitation like this--oh, I admit it's a compliment--I quite admit that--one doesn't want to decline it at once without thinking it over. Think how absurd I should appear to a man like that, writing to say that my wife can't possibly spare me for a couple of hours two or three times a week!' 'A man like what? Who is this mysterious man who wants you for two or three hours two or three times a week?' 'My dear, it can't be done without it; and though, of course, it is rather a nuisance, I daresay in a way it won't be bad fun. You shall help me, dear, and I'm sure I shall be able to arrange for you to see the performance. Yes! you've guessed it; I thought you would. I've been asked to play in some amateur theatricals that are being got up by Mitchell of the F O in aid of the 'Society for the Suppression of Numismatics', or something--I can't think why he chose me, of all people!' 'I wonder.' 'I don't see anything to wonder about. Perhaps he thought I'd do it well. Possibly he supposed I had talent. He may have observed, in the course of our acquaintance, that I was threatened with intelligence! Or again, of course, they want for theatricals a fellow of decent appearance.' 'Ah, yes; of course they do.' 'It would be very absurd for the heroine of the play to be madly in love with a chap who turned up looking like, God knows what! Not that I mean for a moment to imply that I'm particularly good-looking, Edith--I'm not such a fool as that. But--well, naturally, it's always an advantage in playing the part of a _jeune premier_ not to be quite bald and to go in decently at the waist, and to--Fancy, Miss Wrenner didn't know I was a married man!' 'Miss Wrenner! Who's Miss Wrenner?' 'Why she--Don't you know who Miss Wrenner is?' 'No.' 'Oh, Miss Wrenner's that girl who--a friend of the Mitchells; you know.'