On it as decoration (it was laid for two,
side by side) were some curious straw mats, a few laurel leaves, a
little marble statuette of Pan, and three Tangerine oranges.
'Oh, Vincy, do tell me--what are you going to eat tonight?' Edith
exclaimed. 'Unless you're with other people I can never imagine you
sitting down to a proper meal.'
Eat? Oh a nice orange, I think,' said he. Sometimes when I'm alone I
just have a nice egg and a glass of water, I do myself very well. Don't
worry about me, Edith.'
When they were alone for a moment Aylmer looked out of the window. It
was rather high up, and they looked down on the hustling crowds of
people pushing along through the warm air in Victoria Street.
'It's getting decent weather,' he said.
'Yes, quite warm.'
They always suddenly talked commonplaces when they were first left
alone.
'I may be going away pretty soon,' he said.
'Going away! Oh, where?'
'I'm not quite sure yet.'
There was a pause.
'Well, you'll come to tea tomorrow, won't you? said Edith. 'Yes,
indeed, thank you--thank you so much. I shall look forward to it. At
five?' He spoke formally.
'At four,' said Edith.
'I shall be lunching not very far from you tomorrow.'
'At a quarter to four,' said Edith.
'I wonder who this other place is laid for,' said Aylmer, looking at
the table.
'How indiscreet of you! So do I. One must find out.'
'How? By asking?'
'Good heavens, no!' cried Edith.
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