第4章
SirHenrywaitedfortheclosingofthedoor。Thenheleanedforwardforseveralmoments。Hehadscarcelytheappearanceofamanreturnedfromaweekortwoofopen-airlifeandindulgenceinthesporthelovedbest。Thehealthytanofhiscomplexionwaslessenedratherthanincreased。Therewereblacklinesunderhiseyeswhichseemedtospeakofsleeplessnights，andabeardofseveraldays’growthwasuponhischin。HedrankthecocktailwhichMillspresentlybroughthim，atagulp，andwatchedwithsatisfactionwhilethemixerwasvigorouslyshakenandasecondonepouredout。
"We’vehadaroughtime，Mills，"heobserved，ashesetdowntheglass。"Untilthismorningitscarcelyleftoffblowing。"
"I’msorrytohearit，sir，"wastherespectfulreply。"IfImaybeallowedtosayso，sir，you’relookingtired。"
"Iamtired，"SirHenryadmitted。"Ithink，ifItried，Icouldgotosleepnowfortwenty-fourhours。"
"Youwillpardonmyremindingyou，sofarasregardsyourletters，thatthereisnopostouttonight，sir，"Millsproceeded。"Ihavepreparedawarmbathandlaidoutyourclothesforachange。"
"Capital！"SirHenryexclaimed。"Itisn’taletterthat’sbotheringme，though，Mills。TherearejustafewgeographicalnotesIwanttomake。Youknow，I’mtryingtoimprovethefishermen’schartofthecoastroundhere。ThatfellowGroocock-JimmyDumble’suncle-verynearlylost=20hismotorboatlastweekthroughtrustingtotheoldone。"
"Justso，sir，"Millsreplieddeferentially，placingtheemptyglassuponhistray。"Ifyou’llexcuseme，sir，Imustgetbacktothediningroom。"
=20
"Quiteright，"hismasterassented。"Theywon’tbeoutjustyet，willthey？"
"Herladyshipwillprobablyberisinginabouttenminutes，sir-notbeforethat。"
SirHenrynoddedalittleimpatiently。Directlythedoorwasclosedherosetohisfeet，stoodforamomentlisteningbythesideofhisfishingcabinet，thenopenedtheglassfrontandtouchedthespring。
Withtheaidofalittleelectrictorchwhichhetookfromhispocket，hestudiedparticularlyacertainportionofthegiantchart，madesomemeasurementswithapencil，somenotesinthemargin，andcloseditupagainwithanairofsatisfaction。Thenheresumedhisseat，drewafoldedslipofpaperfromhisbreastpocket，achartfromanother，turnedupthelampandbegantowrite。Hisface，ashestoopedlow，escapedthesoftshadeandwasforamomentalmostghastly。Everynowandthenheturnedandmadesomecalculationsontheblotting-paperbyhisside。Atlastheleanedbackwithalittlesighofrelief。Hehadbarelydonesobeforethedoorbehindhimwasopened。
"Arewegoingtostayinhere，Mummy，orarewegoingintothedrawing-room？"Noraasked。
"Inhere，Ithink，"heheardPhilippareply。
Thentheybothcamein，followedbyHelen。Norawasthefirsttoseehimandrushedforwardwithalittlecryofsurprise。
"Why，here’sDad！"sheexclaimed，flingingherarmsaroundhisneck。
"Daddy，howdareyoubesittinghereallbyyourselfwhilstwearehavingdinner！Whendidyougetback？Whatafish！"
SirHenrycloseddownhisdesk，embracedhisdaughter，andcameforwardtomeethiswife。
"Finefellow，isn’the，Nora！"heagreed。"Well，Philippa，howareyou？Pleasedtoseeme，Ihope？Anothernewfrock，Ibelieve，andinwartime！"
"Fancyyourrememberingthatitwaswartime！"sheanswered，standingverystillwhileheleanedoverandkissedher。
"Nastyoneforme，"SirHenryobservedgood-humouredly。"Howwellyou’relooking，Helen！AnynewsofDickyet？"
Helenattemptedanexpressionofextremegravitywithmoreorlesssuccess。
"Nothingfresh，"sheanswered。
"Well，well，nonewsmaybegoodnews，"SirHenryremarkedconsolingly。"Jove，it’sgoodtofeelaroofoverone’sheadagain！
Thismorninghasbeentheonlypatchofdecentweatherwe’vehad。"
"Thismorningwaslovely，"Helenassented。"PhilippaandIwentandsatupinthewoods。"
Philippa，whowasstandingbythefire，turnedandlookedatherhusbandcritically。
"Wehavesomemendining，"shesaid。"Theywillbeoutinafewminutes。Don’tyouthinkyouhadbettergoandmakeyourselfpresentable？Yousmelloffish，andyoulookasthoughyouhadn’tshavedforaweek。"
"Guilty，mydear，"SirHenryadmitted。"Millsisjustgettingmesomethingtoeatinthegunroom，andthenIamgoingtohaveabathandchangemyclothes。"
"Andshave，Dad，"Noraremindedhim。
"Andshave，youyoungpest，"herfatheragreed，pattingherontheshoulder。"RunawayandplaybilliardswithHelen。Iwanttotalktoyourmotheruntilmydinner’sready。"
Noraacquiescedpromptly。
"Comealong，Helen，I’llgiveyoutwenty-fiveup。Orperhapsyou’dliketoplayshellout？"sheproposed。"ArthurSinclairsaysIhaveimprovedinmypottingmorethananyoneheeverknew。"
SirHenryopenedthedoorandcloseditafterthem。ThenhereturnedandseatedhimselfontheloungebyPhilippa’sside。Sheglancedupathimasthoughinsurprise，and，stretchingoutherhandtowardsherwork-basket，tookupsomeknitting。
"IreallythinkIshouldchangeatonce，ifIwereyou，"shesuggested。
"Presently。IhadasortoffoolishideathatI’dliketohaveawordortwowithyoufirst。I’vebeenawayfornearlyafortnight，haven’tI？"
"Youhave，"Philippaassented。"PerhapsthatisthereasonwhyIfeelthatIhaven’tverymuchtosaytoyou。"
"Thatsoundsjustatriflehard，"hesaidslowly。
"Iamhardsometimes，"Philippaconfessed。"Youknowthatquitewell。TherearetimeswhenIjustfeelasthoughIhadnoheartatall，noranysympathy；wheneverysensationImighthavehadseemsshrivelledupinsideme。"
"Isthathowyouarefeelingatthepresenttimetowardsme，Philippa？"heasked。
Herneedlesflashedthroughthewoolforamomentinsilence。
"Youhadeverywarning，"shetoldhim。"Itriedtomakeyouunderstandexactlyhowyourbehaviourdisgustedmebeforeyouwentaway。"
"Yes，Iremember，"headmitted。"I’mafraid，dear，youthinkI
amaworthlesssortofafellow。"
Philippahadapparentlydroppedastitch。Shebentlowerstilloverherknitting。Therewasadistinctfrownuponherforehead，hermouthwasunrecognisable。
"YourfriendLessinghamisherestill，Iunderstand？"herhusbandremarkedpresently。
"Yes，"Philippaassented，"heisdiningto-night。Youwillprobablyseehiminafewminutes。"
SirHenrylookedthoughtful，andstudiedforamomentthetoeofaremarkablyunprepossessinglookingshoe。
"You’resokeenaboutthatsortofthing，"hesaid，"whataboutLessingham？Heisnotsoldieringoranything，ishe？"
"Ihavenoidea，"Philippareplied。"Hewalkswithaslightlimpandadmitsthatheishereasaconvalescent，buthehasn’ttoldusverymuchabouthimself。"
"Iwonderyouhaven’ttackledhim，"SirHenrycontinued。"You’resuchanardentrecruiter，yououghttomakesurethatheisdoinghisbitofbutchery。"
Philippalookedupatherhusbandforamomentandbackatherwork。
"Mr。Lessingham，"shesaid，"isaverydelightfulfriend，whosestayhereeveryoneisenjoyingverymuch，butheisacomparativestranger。Ifeelnoresponsibilityastohisactions。"
"Andyoudoastomine？"
"Naturally。"
SirHenry’sheadwasrestingonhishand，hiselbowonthebackofthelounge。Heseemedtobelisteningtothevoicesinthediningroombeyond。
"Hm！"heobserved。"HashebeenhereoftenwhileI’vebeenaway？"
"Asoftenashechose，"Philippareplied。"Hehasbecomeverypopularintheneighbourhoodalready，andheisanexceedinglywelcomeguesthereatanytime。"
"Takesadvantageofyourhospitalityprettyoften，doesn’the？"
"Heisheremostdays。Wearealwaysratherdisappointedwhenhedoesn’tcome。"
SirHenry’sfrowngrewalittledeeper。
"What’stheattraction？"hedemanded。
Philippasmiled。Itwasthesmilewhichthosewhoknewherbest，feared。
"Well，"sheconfided，"IusedtoimaginethatitwasHelen，butI
thinkthathehasbecomealittlebored，talkingaboutnothingbutDickandtheircollegedays。Iamratherinclinedtofancythatitmustbeme。"
"You，indeed！"hegrunted。"Areyouawarethatyouareamarriedwoman？"
Philippaglancedupfromherwork。Hereyebrowswereraised，andherexpressionwasoneofmildsurprise。
"Howqueerthatyoushouldremindmeofit！"shemurmured。"Iamafraidthattheseaairdisturbsyourmemory。"
SirHenryroseabruptlytohisfeet。
"Oh，damn！"heexclaimed。
Hewalkedtothedoor。Hisguestswerestilllingeringovertheirwine。Hecouldheartheirvoicesmoredistinctlythanever。ThenhecamebacktothesofaandstoodbyPhilippa’sside。
"Philippa，oldgirl，"hepleaded，"don’tletusquarrel。Ihavehadsuchahardfortnight，anor’easterblowingallthetime，andthedirtiestseasI’veeverknownatthistimeoftheyear。ForfivedaysIhadn’tadrystitchonme，anditwastouchandgomorethanonce。
Wewereallinthewatertogether，andtherewasanastygreenwavethatlookedlikeamountainoverhead，andthesideofourownboatbendingoverusasthoughitmeanttosqueezeourribsin。Itlookedliketentooneagainstus，Phil，andIgotaworsechillthantheseaevergavemewhenIthoughtthatIshouldn’tseeyouagain。"
Philippalaiddownherknitting。Shelookedsearchinglyintoherhusband’sface。Shewasveryfarfromindifferenttohisalteredtone。
"Henry，"shesaid，"thatsoundsveryterrible，butwhydoyourunsuchrisks-unworthily？DoyouthinkthatIcouldn’tgiveyouallthatyouwant，allthatIhavetogive，ifyoucamehometomewithastorylikethisandIknewthatyouhadbeenfacingdeathrighteouslyandhonourablyforyourcountry’ssake？Why，Henry，thereisn’tamanintheworldcouldhavesuchawelcomeasIcouldgiveyou。DoyouthinkIamcold？Ofcourseyoudon’t！DoyouthinkIwanttofeelasIhavedonethislastfortnighttowardsyou？
Why，it’smisery！Itmakesmefeelinclinedtocommitanyfolly，anymadness，togetridofitall。"
Herhusbandhesitated。Afrownhaddarkenedhisface。Hehadtheairofonewhoisontheeveofaconfession。
"Philippa，"hebegan，"youknowthatwhenIgooutonthesefishingexpeditions，IalsoputinsomeworkatthenewchartwhichIamsoanxioustoprepareforthefishermen。"
Philippashookherheadimpatiently。
"Don’ttalktomeaboutyourfishermen，Henry！I’massickwiththemasIamwithyou。Youcanseetwentyorthirtyofthemanymorning，loungingaboutthequay，strappingyoungfellowswhoshelterthemselvesbehindthepleaofprivilegedemployment。Wearenotoriousdownhereforourskulkers，andyou-youwhoshouldbetheonemantosetthemanexample，areasbadastheyare。Youdeliberatelyencouragethem。"
SirHenryabandonedhispositionbyhiswife’sside，Hisfacedarkenedandhiseyesflashed。=20
"Skulkers？"herepeatedfuriously。
Philippalookedathimwithoutflinching。
"Yes！Don’tyouliketheword？"
Theangryflushfadedfromhischeeksasquicklyasithadcome。Helaughedalittleunnaturally，tookupacigarettefromanopenbox，andlitit。
"Itisn’tapleasantone，isit，Philippa？"heobserved，thrustinghishandsintohisjacketpocketsstrollingaway。"Ifonedoesn’tfeelthecall-well，thereyouare，yousee。Jove，that’safinefish。
Hestoodadmiringthecodlinguponthescales。Philippacontinuedherwork。
"Ifyouintendtospendtherestoftheeveningwithus，"shetoldhimcalmly，"pleaseletmeremindyouagainthatwehaveguestsfordinner。Yourpresentattiremaybecomfortablebutitisscarcelybecoming。"
Heturnedawayandcamebacktowardsher。Ashepassedthelamp，shestarted。
"Why，you’rewet，"sheexclaimed，"wetthrough！"
"OfcourseIam，"headmitted，feelinghissleeve，"buttotellyouthetruth，intheinterestofourconversationIhadquiteforgottenit。Herecomeourguests，beforeIhavehadtimetoescape。IcanhearyourfriendLessingham’svoice。"
CHAPTERXII
Thethreedinnerguestsenteredtogether，Lessinghaminthemiddle。
SirHenry’spresencewasobviouslyasurprisetoallofthem。
"Noideathatyouwereback，sir，"Harrisonobserved，shakinghands。
SirHenrygreetedthemallgood-humouredly。"Iturnedupaboutthreequartersofanhourago，"heexplained，"justtoolatetojoinyouatdinner。"
"Badluck，sir，"Sinclairremarked。"Ihopethatyouhadgoodsport？"
"Notsobad，"SirHenryadmitted。"Wehadtogofarenoughforit，though。WhatdoyouthinkofthatforanOctobercodling？"
Theyallapproachedthescalesandadmiredthefish。SirHenrystoodwithhishandsinhispockets，listeningtotheircomments。
"Youareenjoyingyourstayhere，Ihope，Mr。Lessingham？"heenquired。
"Onecouldscarcelyfailtoenjoyeventhebriefestholidayinsodelightfullyhospitableaplace，"wasthesomewhatmeasuredreply。
"You’rebywayofbeingafishermanyourself，Ihear？"SirHenrycontinued。
"Inaverysmallway，"Lessinghamacknowledged。"Ihavebeenoutonceortwice。"
"WithBenOates，eh？"
"Ibelievethatwastheman’sname。"
Philippaglancedupfromherworkwithalittleexclamationofsurprise。
"Ihadnoideaofthat，Mr。Lessingham。WhatevermadeyouchooseBenOates？Heisamostdisgracefulperson。"
"Itwasentirelybyaccident，"Lessinghamexplained。"Imethimonthefront。Ithappenedtobeafinemorning，andhewasratherpressinginhisinvitation。"
"I’mafraidhedidn’tshowyoumuchsport，"SirHenryobserved。
"FromwhatJimmyDumble’sbrothertoldhim，heseemstohavetakenyouinentirelythewrongdirection，andonthewrongtide。"
"Wehadasmallcatch，"Lessinghamreplied。"Ireallywentmoreforthesailthanthesport，soIwasnotdisappointed。"
"Thecoastitself，"SirHenryremarked，"isratheraninterestingone。"
"Ishouldimagineso，"Lessinghamassented。"Mr。BenOates，indeed，toldmesomewonderfulstoriesaboutit。Hespokeofbroadchannelsdownwhichadreadnoughtcouldapproachwithinahundredyardsoftheland。"
"Heisquiteright，too，"hishostagreed。
"There’salotofdeepwaterabouthere。Thewholeofthecoastisverycuriousinthatway。Whatthe-whatthedickensisthis？"
SirHenry，whohadbeenstrollingabouttheroom，pickedupaHomburghatfromthefarsideofatableofcurios。Philippaglancedupathisexclamation。
"That’sNora’strophy，"sheexplained。"Itoldhertotakeituptoherownroom，butshe’salwayswantingtoshowittoherfriends。"
"Nora’strophy？"SirHenryrepeated。"Why，it’snothingbutanordinaryman’shat。"
"Nevertheless，it’saverytravelledone，sir，"Harrisonpointedout。
"MissNorapickedituponDutchman’sCommon，themorningaftertheobservationcarwasfoundthere。"
SirHenryheldoutthehat。
"ButNoradoesn’tseriouslysupposethattheGermanscomeoverinthissortofheadgear，doesshe？"hedemanded。
"Ifyou’lljustlookinsidethelining，sir，"Sinclairsuggested。
SirHenryturneditupandwhistledsoftly。"ByJove，it’saGermanhat，allright！"heexclaimed。"Doesn’tlookabadshape，either。"
Hetriediton。Therewasalittlepealoflaughterfromthemen。
Philippahadceasedherknittingandwaswatchingfromthecouch。
SirHenrylookedathimselfinthelooking-glass。
"Well，that’sfunny，"heobserved。"Ishouldn’thavethoughtitwouldhavebeensomuchtoosmallforme。Here，justtryhowyou’dlookinit，Mr。Lessingham，"headded，handingitacrosstohim。
Lessinghamacceptedthesituationquitecoolly，andplacedthehatcarefullyonhishead。
"Itdoesn’tfeelparticularlycomfortable，"heremarked。
"Thatmaybe，"SirHenrysuggested，"becauseyouhaveitonwrongsideforemost。Ifyou’djustturnitround，Ibelieveyouwouldfinditaverygoodfit。"
Lessinghamatonceobeyed。SirHenryregardedhimwithadmiration。
"Excellent！"heexclaimed。"Lookatthat，Philippa。Mighthavebeenmadeforhim，eh？"
Lessinghamlookedathimselfintheglassandremovedthehatfromhisheadwith，somecasualobservation。Hewasentirelyathisease。
Hishostturnedtowardsthedoor，whichMillswasholdingopen。
"CaptainGriffiths，sir，"thelatterannounced。
SirHenrygreetedhisvisitorbriefly。
"Howareyou，Griffiths？"hesaid。"Gladtoseeyou。Excusemycostume，butIamjustbackfromafishingexpedition。WearealladmiringMr。Lessinghaminhismagichat。"
CaptainGriffithsshookhandswithPhilippa，noddedtotheothers，andturnedtowardsLessingham。
"Putitonagain，there’sagoodfellow，Lessingham，"SirHenrybegged。"Yousee，wehavefoundamodernversionofCinderella’sslipper。ThehatwhichfellfromtheZeppelinontoDutchman’sCommonfitsourfriendlikeaglove。IneverthoughttheGermansmadesuchgoodhats，didyou，Griffiths？"
"Ialwaysthoughttheyimportedtheirfelthats，"CaptainGriffithsacknowledged。"IsthatreallytheonewiththeGermannameinside，whichMissNorabroughthome？"
"Thisisthegenuinearticle，"Lessinghamassented，takingitfromhisheadandpassingitontothenewcomer。"Notwithstandingthenameinside，IshouldstillbelievethatitwasanEnglishhat。Itfeelstoocomfortableforanythingelse。"
TheCommandanttookthehattoalampandexamineditcarefully。
Hedrewouttheliningandlookedallthewayround。Suddenlyhegaveventtoalittleexclamation。
"Herearetheowner’sinitials，"hedeclared，"ratherfaintbutstilldistinguishable，-B。M。Hm！There’snodoubtaboutitsbeingaGermanhat。"
"B。M。，"SirHenrymuttered，lookingoverhisshoulder。"Howveryinteresting！B。M。，"herepeated，turningtoPhilippa，whohadrecommencedherknitting。"Isitmyfancy，oristheresomethingalittlefamiliaraboutthat？"
"IamsurethatIhavenoidea，"Philippareplied。"Itconveysnothingtome。"
Therewasabriefbutapparentlypointlesssilence。Philippa’sneedlesflashedthroughherwoolwitheasyregularity。Lessinghamappearedtobesharingthemildcuriositywhichtheothersshowedconcerningthehat。SirHenrywasstandingwithknittedbrows，intheobviousattitudeofamanseekingtoremembersomething。
"B。M。，"hemurmuredsoftlytohimself。"TherewassomeoneI’veknownorheardofinEngland-What’sthat，Mills？"
"Yourdinnerisserved，sir，"Mills，whohadmadeasilententrance，announced。
SirHenryapparentlythoughtnomoreofthehatoritspossibleowner。Hethrewituponaneighbouringtable，andhisfaceexpressedanewinterestinlife。
"Jove，I’mravenous！"heconfessed。"You’llexcuseme，won’tyou？
Mills，seethatthesegentlemenhavecigarsandcigarettes-inthebilliardroom，Ishouldthink。You’llfindtheyoungpeoplethere。
I’llcomeinandhaveagameofpillslater。"
Thetwoyoungsoldiers，withCaptainGriffiths，followedSirHenryatoncefromtheroom。Lessingham，however，lingered。Hestoodwithhishandsbehindhim，lookingatthecloseddoor。
"Areyougoingtostayandtalknonsensewithme，Mr。Lessingham？"
Philippaasked。
"IfImay，"heanswered，withoutchanginghisposition。
Philippalookedathimcuriously。
"Doyouseeghoststhroughthatdoor？"
Heshookhishead。
"Doyouknow，"hesaid，asheseatedhimselfbyherside，"therearetimeswhenIfindyourhusbandquiteinteresting。"
CHAPTERXIII
Philippaleanedbackinherplace。
"Exactlywhatdoyoumeanbythat，Mr。Lessingham？"shedemanded。
Heshookhimselffreefromacurioussenseofunreality，andturnedtowardsher。
"Imustconfess，"hesaid，"thatsometimesyourhusbandpuzzlesme。"
"Notnearlysomuchashepuzzlesme，"Philipparetorted，alittlebitterly。
"Hashealwaysbeensodesperatelyinterestedindeep-seafishing？"
Philippashruggedhershoulders。
"Moreorless，butneverquitetothisextent。Thethinghasbecomeanobsessionwithhimlately。Ifyouarereallygoingtostayandtalkwithme，doyoumindifwedon’tdiscussmyhusband？Justnowthesubjectisratherapainfulonewithme。"
"Icanquiteunderstandthat，"Lessinghammurmuredsympathetically。
"WhatdoyouthinkofCaptainGriffiths？"sheasked，alittleabruptly。
"Ihavethoughtnothingmoreabouthim。ShouldI？Isheofanyrealimportance？"
"Heismilitarycommandanthere。"
Lessinghamnoddedthoughtfully。
"Isupposethatmeansthatheisthemanwhooughttobeonmytrack，"heobserved。
"Ishouldn’tbeintheleastsurprisedtohearthathewas，"Philippasaiddrily。"Ihavetoldyouthathecameandaskedaboutyoutheothernight，whenhedinedhere。Heseemedperfectlysatisfiedthen，butheishereagainto-nighttoseeHenry，andhe=20nevervisitsanywhereinanordinaryway。"
"Areyouuneasyaboutme？"Lessinghamenquired。
"Iamnotsure，"sheansweredfrankly。"SometimesIamalmostterrifiedandwouldgiveanythingtohearthatyouwereonyourwayhome。AndatothertimesIrealisethatyouarereallyveryclever，thatnothingislikelytohappentoyou，andthattheplacewillseemdullerthaneverwhenyoudogo。"
"Thatisverykindofyou，"hesaid。"Inanycase，Ifearthatmyholidaywillsoonbecomingtoanend。"
"Yourholiday？"sherepeated。"Isthatwhatyoucallit？"
"Ithasbeenlittleelse，"herepliedindifferently。"Thereisnothingtobelearnthereoftheslightestmilitarysignificance。"
"Wetoldyouthatwhenyouarrived，"Philipparemindedhim。
"Iwasperhapsfoolishnottobelieveyou，"heacknowledged。
"Soyourveryexcitingjourneythroughthecloudshasendedinfailure，afterall！"shewenton，amomentortwolater。
"Failure？No，Ishouldnotcallitfailure。"
"Youhavereallymadesomediscoveries，then？"sheenquireddubiously。
"Ihavemadethegreatestdiscoveryintheworld。"
Hereyebrowsweregentlyraised，thecornersofhermouthquivered，hereyesfell。
"Dearme！Inthisquietspot？"shesighed。
"Yes！"
"IsitHelenorme？"
"Philippa！"heprotested。
Hereyebrowsweremoreraisedthanever。Hermouthhadlostitsalluringcurve。
"Really，Mr。Lessingham！"sheexclaimed。"HaveIevergivenyoutherighttocallmebymyChristianname？"
"Inmycountry，"heanswered，"wedonotwaittoask。Wetake。"
"RankPrussianism，"shemurmured。"Ireallythinkyouhadbettergobackthere。Youareadoptingtheirmethods。"
"Imayhavetoatanymoment，"headmitted，"ortosomemoredistantcountrystill。Iwantsomethingtotakebackwithme。"
"Youwantakeepsake，ofcourse，"Philippadeclared，lookingaroundtheroom。"Youcanhavemyphotograph-theoneoverthere。Helenwillgiveyouoneofhers，too，Iamsure，ifyouaskher。SheisjustasgratefultoyouaboutRichardasIam。"
"Butfromyou，"hesaidearnestly，"Iwantmorethangratitude。"
"Dearme，howpersistentyouare！"Philippamurmured。"Areyoureallydeterminedtomakelovetome？"
"Ah，don’tmockme！"hebegged。"WhatIamsayingtoyoucomesfrommyheart。"
Philippalaughedathimquietly。Therewasjustalittlebreakinhervoice，however。
"Don’theabsurd！"
"Thereisnothingabsurdaboutit，"hereplied，withanoteofsadnessinhistone。"Ifeltitfromthemomentwemet。Istruggledagainstit，butIhavefeltitgrowingdaybyday。Icameherewithmymindfilledwithdifferentpurposes。Ihadnothoughtofamusingmyself，nothoughtofseekingherethehappinesswhichuptillnowIseemtohavemissed。IcameasaservantbecauseIwassent，amechanicalbeing。Youhavechangedeverything。ForyouIfeelwhatIhaveneverfeltforanywomanbefore。Iplacebeforeyoumycareer，myfreedom，myhonour。"
Philippasighedverysoftly。
"Doyoumindringingthebell？"shebegged。
"Thebell？"herepeated。"Whatfor？"
"IwantHelentohearyou，"sheconfided，withawonderfullittlesmile。
"Philippa，don’tmockme，"hepleaded。"Ifthisisonlyamusementtoyou，tellmesoandletmegoaway。Itisthefirsttimeinmylifethatawomanhascomebetweenmeandmywork。Iamnolongermasterofmyself。Iamobsessedwithyou。Iwantnothingelseinlifebutyourlove。"
TherewasanalmoststartlingchangeinPhilippa’sface。Thebanterwhichhadservedherwithsomucheffect，whichshehadrelieduponasherdefensiveweapon，wassuddenlyuseless。Lessinghamhadcreatedanatmospherearoundhim，anatmosphereofsincerity。
"Areyouinearnest？"shefaltered。
"GodknowsIam！"heinsisted。
"You-youcareforme？"
"Somuch，"heansweredpassionately，"thatforyoursakeIwouldsacrificemyhonour，mycountry，mylife。"
"ButI’veonlyknownyouforsuchashorttime，"Philippaprotested，"andyou’reanenemy。"
"Idiscardmybirth。Irenouncemyadoptedcountry，"hedeclaredfiercely。"Youhavesweptmylifeclearofeveryscrapofambitionandpatriotism。Youhavefilleditwithonethingonly-agreat，consuminglove。"
"Haveyouforgottenmyhusband？"
"DoyouthinkthatifhehadbeenadifferentsortofmanIshouldhavedaredtospeak？Askyourselfhowyoucancontinuetolivewithhim？Youcancallhimwhichyouwill。Bothareequallydisgraceful。Yourheartknowsthetruth。Heiseitheracowardoraphilanderer。"
Philippa’scheeksweresuddenlywhite。Hereyesflashed。Hiswordshadstunghertothequick。
"Acoward？"sherepeatedfuriously。"YoudaretocallHenrythat？"
Lessinghamroseabruptlytohisfeet。Hemovedrestlesslyabouttheroom。Hisfistswereclenched，histonethickwithpassion。
"Ido！"hepronounced。"Philippa，lookatthismatterwithoutprejudice。Doyoubelievethatthereisasinglemanofanycountry，ofyourhusband’sageandrank，whowouldbecontenttotrawltheseasforfishwhilsthiscountry’sbloodisbeingdraineddry？Whowouldweighacodling，"headded，pointingscornfullytothescales，"whilstthefuneralmarchofheroesisbeatingthroughouttheworld？
Thethingisinsensate，impossible！"
Philippa’sheaddrooped。Herhandswerenervouslyintertwined。
"Don’t！"shepleaded，"Ihavesufferedsomuch。"
"Forgiveme，"hebegged，withasuddenchangeofvoice。"IfIammistakeninyourhusband-andthereisalwaysthechance-Iamsorry。IwillconfessthatImyselfhadadifferentopinionofhim，butIcanonlyjudgefromwhatIhaveseenandfromthatthereisnooneintheworldwhowouldnotagreewithmethatyourhusbandisunworthyofyou。"
"Oh，pleasestop！"Philippacried。"Stopatonce！"
Lessinghamcamebacktohisplacebyherside。Hisvoicewasstillshaking，butithadgrownverysoft。
"Philippa，forgiveme，"herepeated。"Ifyouonlyknewhowithurtstoseeyoulikethis！YetImustspeak。Thereisjustonceineveryman’slifetimewhenhemusttellthetruth。Thattimehascomewithme-Iloveyou。"
"Sodoesmyhusband，"shemurmured。
"Iwillonlyremindyou，then，thatheshowsitinstrangefashion，"
Lessinghamcontinued。"Hesetsyourwishesatdefiance。Hewhoshouldbeanexampleinasmallplacelikethis，isonlyanobjectofcontemptintheneighbourhood。EvenI，whohaveonlylivedhereforsoshortatime，havecaughttheburdenofwhatpeoplesay。"
Philippawipedhereyes。
"Please，doyoumind，"shebegged，"notsayinganythingmoreaboutHenry。YouareonlyremindingmeofthingswhichItryallthetimetoforget。"
"Believeme，"Lessinghamansweredwistfully，"Iamonlytoocontenttoignorehim，toforgetthatheexists，torememberonlythatyouarethewomanwhohaschangedmylife。"
Philippalookedathiminsomethinglikedismay，ratherlikeachildwhohasstartedanenginewhichshehasnoideahowtostop。
"Butyoumustnot-youmustnottalktomelikethis！"
Hishandcloseduponhers。Itlayinhisgrasp，unyielding，cold，yetpassive。
"Whynot？"hewhispered。"Ihavetheoneunalterableright，andI
amwillingtopaythegreatprice。"
"Right？"shefaltered。
"Therightoflovingyou-therightoflovingyoubetterthananywomanintheworld。"
Therewasaqueersilence，onlypartlydue，asshewasinstantlyaware，totheemotionofthemoment。Adoorbehindthemhadopened。
Philippa’squickersenseshadrecognisedherhusband’sfootsteps。
Lessinghamrosedeliberatelytohisfeet。Inhishearthewelcomedtheinterruption。Thismight，perhaps，bethedecisivemoment。SirHenrywasstrollingtowardsthem。Hismannerandhistone，however，werealikegood-natured。
"Iwastoorderyouintothebilliardroom，Mr。Lessingham，"heannounced。"Sinclairhasbeensentfor-anightroutemarch，orsomesuchhorror-andtheywantyoutomakeafour。"
Lessinghamhesitated。Hehadapassionateinclinationtofacethesituation，totellthismanthetruth。SirHenry’scourteousindifference，however，waslikeaharrier。Herecognisedtheinevitable。
"IamafraidIamratheroutofpractice，"hesaid，"butIshallbedelightedtodomybest。"
CHAPTERXIV
SirHenrywasobviouslynotinthebestoftempers。Foramild-manneredandeasy-goingman，hisexpressionwasscarcelynormal。
"Thatfellowwasmakinglovetoyou，"hesaidbluntly，assoonasthedoorwasclosedbehindLessingham。
Philippalookedupatherhusbandwithanairofpleasantcandour。
"Hewasdoingitverynicely，too，"sheadmitted。
"Youmeantosaythatyoulethim？"
"Ilistenedtowhathehadtosay，"sheconfessed。"Itdidn’toccurtoyou，Isuppose，"herhusbandremarked，withsomewhatstrainedsarcasm，"thatyouwereanotherman’swife？"
"Iamdoingmybesttoforgetthatfact，"Philipparemindedhim。
"Isee！Andheistohelpyou？"
"Possibly。"
SirHenry’sirritationwasfastmergingintoanger。
"Ishallturnthefellowoutofthehouse，"hedeclared。
Philippashruggedhershoulders。
"Whydon’tyou？"
Heseatedhimselfonthecouchbyhiswife’sside。"Lookhere，Philippa，don’tlet’swrangle，"hebegged。"I’mafraidyou’llhavetomakeupyourmindtoseeagooddeallessofyourfriendLessingham，anyway。"
Philippa’sbrowswereknitted。Shewasconsciousofavagueuneasiness。
"Really？Andwhy？"
"Foronething，"herhusbandexplained，"becauseIdon’tintendtohavehimhangingaboutmyhouseduringmyabsence。"
"Thebestwaytopreventthatwouldbenottogoaway，"Philippasuggested。
"Well，inallprobability，"heannouncedguardedly，"Iamnotgoingawayagain-atleastnotjustyet。"
Philippa’smannersuddenlychanged。Shelaiddownherwork。Herhandrestedlightlyuponherhusband’sshoulder。
"Youmeanthatyouaregoingtogiveupthosehorriblefishingexcursionsofyours？"
"ForthepresentIam，"heassuredher。
"Andareyougoingtodosomething-somework，Imean？"sheaskedbreathlessly。
"FortheimmediatepresentIamgoingtostayathomeandlookafteryou，"hereplied。
Philippa’sfacefell。Hermannerbecamenotablycolder。
"Youareverywise，"shedeclared。"Mr。Lessinghamisamostfascinatingperson。Weareallhalfinlovewithhim-evenHelen。"
"Thefellowmusthaveawaywithhim，"SirHenryconcededgrudgingly。
"Asarulethepeopleherearenotover-keenonstrangers，unlesstheyhaveimmediateconnectionsintheneighbourhood。EvenGriffiths，whosincetheymadehimCommandant，isamanofmanysuspicions，seemsinclinedtoaccepthim。"
"CaptainGriffithsdinedheretheothernight，"Philipparemarked，"andInoticedthatheandMr。Lessinghamseemedtogetonverywell。"
"Thefellow’sallrightinhisway，nodoubt，"SirHenrybegan。
"Ofcourseheis，"Philippainterrupted。"HelenlikeshimquiteasmuchasIdo。"
"DoeshemakelovetoHelen，too？"SirHenryventured。
"Don’ttalknonsense！"Philipparetorted。"Heisn’tthatsortofamanatall。Ifhehasmadelovetome，hehasdonesobecauseI
haveencouragedhim，andifIhaveencouragedhim，itisyourfault。"
SirHenry，withanimpatientexclamation，rosefromhisplaceandtookacigarettefromanopenbox。
"QuitetimeIstayedathome，Icansee。Allthesame，thefellow’sratherapuzzle。Ican’thelpwonderinghowhesucceededinmakingsuchaneasyconquestofaladywhohasscarcelybeennotoriousforherflirtations，andayoungwomanwhoismadlyinlovewithanotherman。Hehasn’t-"
"Hasn’twhat？"
"Hehasn’t，"SirHenrycontinued，blowingoutthematchwhichhehadbeenholdingtohiscigaretteandthrowingitaway，"beeninthepositionofbeingabletorenderyouorHelenanyservice，hashe？"
"Idon’tunderstandyou，"Philippareplied，alittleuneasily。
"There’snothingtounderstand，"SirHenrywenton。"Iwassimplytryingtofindsomeexplanationforhisveni，vidi，vici。"
"Idon’tthinkyouneedgoanyfurtherthanthefact，"Philippaobserved，"thatheiswell-bred，charmingandcompanionable。"
"Incidentally，"SirHenryqueried，"doyouhappentohavecomeacrossanyoneherewhoeverheardofhimbefore？"
"Idon’trememberanyone，"Philippareplied。"HewasatcollegewithRichard，youknow。"
SirHenrynodded。
"Ofcourse，that’sawonderfulintroductiontoyouandHelen，"headmitted。"Andby-the-by，thatremindsme，"hewenton，"Ineversawsuchachangeintwowomeninmylife，asinyouandHelen。
AfewweeksagoyouwerefrettingyourselvestodeathaboutDick。
Nowyoudon’tseemtomentionhim，youbothofyoulookasthoughyouhadn’tacareintheworld，andyetyousayyouhaven’theardfromhim。Uponmyword，thisisgettingtobeahouseofmysteries！"
"TheonlymysteryinitthatIcansee，isyou，Henry，"shedeclared。
"Me？"heprotested。"I’moneofthesimplest-mindedfellowsalive。
Whatistheremysteriousaboutme？"
"Yourignominiouslife，"wasthecoldreply。
"Jove，Igotitthattime！"hegroaned，-"gotitintheneck！Butdidn’tItellyoujustnowthatIwasturningoveranewleaf？"
"Thenproveit，"Philippapleaded。"LetmewritetoRaytonandbeghimtousehisinfluencetogetyousomethingtodo。Iamsureyouwouldbehappier，andIcan’ttellyouwhatadifferenceitwouldmaketome。"
"It’sthatindoorworkIcouldn’tstick，oldthing，"heconfided。
"Youknow，they’resayingallthetimeit’sayoungman’swar。
They’dmakemetakesomeone’splaceathomebehindadesk。"=20
"Buteveniftheydid，"sheprotested，"eveniftheyputyouinacoalcellar，wouldn’tyoubehappiertofeelthatyouwerehelpingyourcountry？Wouldn’tyoubegladtoknowthatIwashappier？"
SirHenrymadeawryface。
"Itseemstomethatyouroutlookisatriflesuperficial，dear，"
hegrumbled。"However-nowwhatthedickensisthematter？"
ThedoorhadbeenopenedbyMills，withhisusualsmoothness，butJimmyDumble，outofbreathandexcited，pushedhiswayintotheroom。
"Hullo？Whatisit，Jimmy？"hispatrondemanded。
"Begyourpardon，sir，"wasthealmostincoherentreply。"I’verunallthewayup，andthere’sararewindblowing。There’soneofour-ourtrawlerslyingoffthePoint，andshe’ssentupthreegreenandsixyellowballs。"
"Whiting，byGod！"SirHenryexclaimed。
"Whiting！"Philipparepeated，inagoniseddisgust。"Whatdoesthismean，Henry？"
"Itmustbeashoal，"herhusbandexplained。"Itmeansthatwe’vegottogetamongstthemquick。IstheIdadownonthebeach，Jimmy？"
"Shethereallright，sir，"wasthesomewhatdoubtfulreply，"butus’llhaveararejobtogetaway，sir。Thattherenor’easterisblowinggreatgunsagainandit’sacrueltide。"
"We’vegottogetoutsomehow，"SirHenrydeclared。"Mills，myoilskinsandflaskatonce。Isha’n’tchangeathing，butyoumightbringacardiganjacketandthewhiskyandsoda。"
Millswithdrew，alittledazed。Philippa，whosefingerswereclenchedtogether，foundhertongueatlast。
"Henry！"sheexclaimedfuriously。
"Whatisit，mydear？"
"Doyoumeantotellmethatafteryourpromise，"shecontinued，"afterwhatyouhavejustsaid，youarestartingoutto-nightforanotherfishingexpedition？"
"Whiting，mydear，"SirHenryexplained。"Onecan’tpossiblymisswhiting。Wherethedevilaremykeys？-Heretheyare。Nowthen。"
Hesatdownbeforehisdesk，tooksomepapersfromthetopdrawer，rummagedaboutforamomentortwoinanother，andfoundwhatseemedtobeacoupleofchartsinoilskincases。Allthetimethewindwasshakingthewindows，andastormofrainwasbeatingagainstthepanes。