'Perhaps I am a little bit too severe,' he acknowledged. 'But you don't
quite understand how it jars on me to think of any friend of yours
behaving in a manner that's--are you sure they're engaged?'

'No; I don't know anything about it.'

'Well, of course, if they don't marry after what Archie has seen, it
will be a public scandal, that's all I can say. On the other hand, of
course, it would be far better not.'

'What do you propose?' said Edith.

'I don't quite know; I'll think it over. Look here, Edith, if you don't
mind, I think I'll go for a little stroll. The flat seems so hot and
airless tonight'

Edith glanced at the telephone.

'Oh, don't go,' she said.

He went into the hall and put on his coat. 'I must go, dear. I feel the
need of air. I shan't be long.'

'You will only go for a little walk, won't you?'

'I might go to the club for half an hour. I shall see. Good night,
dear.'

'Good night.'