Certainly the two little events of today had drawn her nearer to him. She had been far less reserved that evening. She closed her eyes and smiled to herself. But this mustn't happen again. With a strong effort of self-coercion she banished all delightful recollections as she heard Bruce come up in the lift. He came in with a slightly shy, uncomfortable manner. Again, she felt sorry for him. 'Hallo!' he said. He gave her a quick glance, a sort of cautious look which made her feel rather inclined to laugh. Then he said: 'I've just been down to the club. What have you been doing?' 'Aylmer's been here.' 'Didn't know he was in town.' 'He's only come for a few days.' 'I should like to see him,' said Bruce, looking brighter. 'Did he ask after me?' 'Yes.' He looked at her again and said suspiciously: 'I suppose you didn't mention--' 'Mention what?' 'Edith!' 'Yes?' He cleared his throat and then said with an effort of self-assertion that she thought at once ridiculous and touching: 'Look here, I don't wish to blame you in any way for what--er-- arrangements you like to make in your own household. But--er--have you written to Miss Townsend?' 'Yes; she won't come back.' 'Er--but won't she ask why?' 'I hope not.' 'Why?' asked Bruce, with a tinge of defiance. 'Because then I should have to explain. And I don't like explaining.' There was another pause. Bruce seemed to take a great interest in his nails, which he examined separately one at a time, and then all together, holding both hands in front of him. 'Did Archie enjoy his day?' 'Oh yes,' said Edith. Bruce suddenly stood up, and a franker, more manly expression came into his face. He looked at her with a look of pain. Tears were not far from his eyes. 'Edith, you're a brick. You're too good for me.' She looked down and away without answering. 'Look here, is there anything I can do to please you?' 'Yes, there is.' 'What? I'll do it, whatever it is, on my word of honour.' 'Well, it's a funny thing to ask you, but you know our late governess, Miss Townsend? I should like you to promise never to see her again, even by accident. If you meet her--by accident, I mean--I want you not to see her.' Bruce held out both his hands. 'I swear I'd never recognise her even if I should meet her accidentally.' 'I know it's a very odd thing to ask,' continued Edith, 'just a fancy; why should I mind your not seeing Miss Townsend?' He didn't answer. 'However, I _do_ mind, and I'll be grateful.' Edith thought one might be unfaithful without being disloyal, and she believed Bruce now. She was too sensible to ask him never to write a line, never to telephone, never to do anything else; besides, it was beneath her dignity to go into these details, and common-sense told her that one or the other must write or communicate if the thing was to be stopped. If Miss Townsend wrote to him to the club, he would have to answer. Bruce meant not to see her again, and that was enough.