'I felt, when I saw you with her, as if I hadn't got a friend in the world. I felt quite alone. I felt as if the ground were going to open and swallow me up. I relied on you so much, far more than I knew! I was struck dumb, and rooted to the spot, and knocked all of a heap, in a manner of speaking, as Vincy would say,' Edith went on, laughing. 'But now, you've cured me thoroughly; you're such a _real_ person.' 'Angel!' She still left her hand in his. Her eyes were very bright, the result of few but salt tears, the corners of her mouth were lifted by a happy smile, not the tantalising, half-mocking smile he used to see. She was changed, and was, he thought, more lovable--prettier; today's emotion had shaken her out of herself. The reaction of this evening gave a brilliancy to her eyes, happy curves to her lips, and the slight disarrangement of her hair, not quite silky-smooth tonight, gave her a more irresponsible look. She seemed more careless--younger. 'Where's Bruce?' Aylmer asked suddenly. 'He's gone to the club. He'll be back rather soon, I should think.' 'I won't wait. I would rather not meet him this evening. When shall I see you again?' 'Oh, I don't know. I don't think I want to make any plans now.' 'As you wish. I say, do you really think Vincy can care for that girl?' 'I believe he has had a very long friendship of some kind with her. He's never told me actually, but I've felt it,' Edith said. 'Is he in love with her? Can he be?' 'In a way--in one of his peculiar ways.' 'She's in love with him, I suppose,' said Aylmer. 'It was only because she thought it would please him that she wanted to see those things at the museum. I think she's a little anxious. I found her a wild, irritating, unaccountable, empty creature. I believe she wants him to marry her.' 'I hope he won't, unless he _really_ wants to,' said Edith. 'It would be a mistake for Vincy to sacrifice himself as much as that.' 'I hope indeed he won't,' exclaimed Aylmer. 'And I think it's out of the question. Miss Argles is only an incident, surely. She looks the slightest of episodes.' 'It's a very long episode. It might end, though--if she insists and he won't.' 'Oh, bother, never mind them!' Aylmer replied, with boyish impatience. 'Let me look at _you_ again. Do you care for me a little bit, Edith?' 'Yes; I do.' 'Well, what's going to be done about it?' he asked, with happy triviality. 'Don't talk nonsense,' she replied. 'We're just going to see each other sometimes.' 'I'll be satisfied with anything!' cried Aylmer, 'after what I've suffered not seeing you at all. We'll have a new game. You shall _make_ the rules and I'll keep them.' 'Naturally.' 'About the summer?' 'Oh, no plans tonight. I must think.' She looked thoughtful. 'Tell me, how's Archie?' he said. 'Archie's all right--delightful. Dilly, too. But I'm rather bothered.' 'Why should you bother? What's it about? Tell me at once.'