The play was over; Aylmer had not had a word with Edith. He was going away the next day, and he asked them all to supper. Of course he drove Edith, and Lady Everard took the other two in her motor.... 'You're an angel if you've forgiven me,' he said, as they went out. CHAPTER XIII The Supper-party 'Have you forgiven me?' he asked anxiously, as soon as they were in the dark shelter of the cab. 'Yes, oh yes. Please don't let's talk about it any more... What time do you start tomorrow?' 'You think I ought to go then?' 'You say so.' 'But you'd rather I remained here; rather we should go on as we are--wouldn't you?' 'Well, you know I should never have dreamt of suggesting you should go away. I like you to be here.' 'At any cost to me? No, Edith; I can't stand it. And since I've told you it's harder. Your knowing makes it harder.' 'I should have thought that if you liked anyone so _very_ much, you would want to see them all the time, as much as possible, always--even with other people...anything rather than not see them--be away altogether. At least, that's how I should feel.' 'No doubt you would; that's a woman's view. And besides, you see, you don't care!' 'The more I cared, the less I should go away, I think.' 'But, haven't I tried? And I can't bear it. You don't know how cruel you are with your sweetness, Edith...Oh, put yourself in my place! How do you suppose I feel when I've been with you like this, near you, looking at you, delighting in you the whole evening--and then, after supper, you go away with Bruce? _You've_ had a very pleasant evening, no doubt; it's all right for you to feel you've got me, as you know you have--and with no fear, no danger. Yes, you enjoy it!' 'Oh, Aylmer!' He saw in the half-darkness that her eyes looked reproachful. 'I didn't mean it. I'm sorry--I'm always being sorry.' His bitter tone changed to gentleness. 'I want to speak to you now, Edith. We haven't much time. Don't take away your hand a minute....I always told you, didn't I, that the atmosphere round you is so clear that I feel with you I'm in the Palace of Truth? You're so _real_. You're the only woman I ever met who really cared for truth. You're not afraid of it; and you're as straight and honourable as a man! I don't mean you can't diplomatise if you choose, of course, and better than anyone; but it isn't your nature to deceive yourself, nor anyone else. I recognise that in you. I love it. And that's why I can't pretend or act with you; I must be frank.' 'Please, do be frank.' 'I love you. I'm madly in love with you. I adore you.' Aylmer stopped, deeply moved at the sound of his own words. Few people realise the effect such words have on the speaker. Saying them to her was a great joy, and an indulgence, but it increased painfully his passionate feeling, making it more accentuated and acute. To let himself go verbally was a wild, bitter pleasure. It hurt him, and he enjoyed it.