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.