第9章

AllthatIdidforyouatWittenberg，Ishouldhavedoneinanycaseforthesakeofourfriendship。Yourfreedomwouldprobablyneverhavebeengrantedtomebutformymission，althougheventhatImighthavetriedtoarrange。Ibroughtyourlettershere，andItradedthemwithyoursisterandMissFaircloughfortheshelteroftheirhospitalityandtheirguarantees。Nowyouknowjustwherefriendshipendedandtheotherthingsbegan。Dowhatyoubelievetobeyourduty。"

RichardfollowedHelenout，closingthedoorafterhim。LessinghamlookeddownintoPhilippa’sface。

"YouaremorewonderfuleventhanIthought，"hecontinuedsoftly。

"Yousaysolittleandyoulivesonearthetruth。Itisthoseofuswhofeelasyoudo-whounderstand-towhomthiswarissoterrible。"

"IwanttoaskyouonequestionbeforeIsendyouaway，"shetoldhim。"ThisjourneytoAmerica？"

"ItisamissiononbehalfofGermany，"heexplained，"butitis，afterall，anopenone。Ihavefriends-highlyplacedfriends-inmyowncountry，whointheirheartsfeelasIdoaboutthewar。Itisthrough=20themthatIamabletoturnmybackuponEurope。Ihavedonemyshareoffighting，"hewentonsadly，"andthehorrorofitwillneverquiteleaveme。Ithinkthatnoonehaseverchargedmewithshirkingmyduty，andyetthesheer，blackuglinessofthisghastlystruggle，itscriminalinutility，havegotintomybloodsothatIthinkIwouldratherpassoutoftheworldinsomesimplewaythanfindmyselfbackagaininthatdebauchofblood。Isthiscowardice，Philippa？"

Shelookedathimwithshiningeyes。

"Thereisn’tanyoneintheworld，"shesaid，"whocouldcallyouacoward。WhateverImaydecide，whateverImayfeeltowardsyou，thatatleastIknow。"

Hekissedherfingers。

"Atteno’clock，"hebegan-

"Butlisten，"sheinterrupted。"ApartfromanythingwhichDickmightdo，youareinterribledangerhere，allthemoreifyoureallyhaveaccomplishedsomething。Whynotgonow，atthismoment？Whywait？Thesefewhoursmaymakeallthedifference。"

Hesmiled。

"Theymay，indeed，makeallthedifferencetomylife，"heanswered。

"Thatisforyou。"

HefollowedMills，whohadobeyedhersummons，outoftheroom。

Philippamovedtothewindowandwatchedhimuntilhehaddisappeared。Thenveryslowlyshelefttheroom，walkedupthestairs，madeherwaytoherownlittlesuiteofapartments，andlockedthedoor。

CHAPTERXXX

Itwasahappy，ifatriflehystericallittledinnerpartythateveningatMainsailHaul。Philippawasattimesunusuallysilent，butHelenhadexpandedinthejoyofhergreathappiness。Richard，shavedandwithhishaircut，attiredoncemoreinthegarbofcivilisation，seemedadifferentperson。Eveninthesefewhoursthelinesabouthismouthseemedlesspronounced。TheytalkedfreelyofMaderstrom。

"Aregular’VanityFair’problem，"Richarddeclared，balancinghiswineglassbetweenhisfingers，"aproblem，too，whichIcan’tsayIhavesolvedaltogetheryet。Theonlythingisthatifheisreallygoingto-night，Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’tletthematterdriftoutofmymind。"

"Itissomuchbetter，"Helenagreed。"TryashardaseverIcan，Icannotpicturehisdoinganyharmtoanybody。Andasforanyinformationhemayhavegainedhere，well，IthinkthatwecansafelylethimtakeitbacktoGermany。"

"Hewasalways，"Richardcontinuedreminiscently，"asortofcrossbetweenadreamer，anidealist，andasportsman。Therewasneveranythingofthepracticalmanofaffairsabouthim。Hewasscrupulouslyhonourable，andalmostapuristinhisoutlookuponlife。IhavemetagreatmanyGermans，"Richardwenton，"andI’vekilledafew，thankGod！-butheisaboutasunliketheordinarytypeasanyoneIevermet。Theonlypityisthatheeverservedhistimewiththem。"

Philippahadbeenlisteningattentively。Shewasmorethaneversilentafterherbrother’slittleappreciationofhisfriend。

Richardglancedathergood-humouredly。

"Youhaven’tkilledthefattedcalfformeintheshapeofclothes，Philippa，"heobserved。"Onewouldthinkthatyouweregoingonajourney。"

Sheglanceddownatherhigh-neckedgownandavoidedHelen’sanxiouseyes。

"Imaygoforawalk，"shesaid，"andleaveyoutwoyoungpeopletotalksecrets。Iamratherfondofthegardenthesemoonlightnights。"

"WhenisHenrycomingback？"herbrotherenquired。

Philippa’smannerwasquietbutominous。

"Ihavenoidea，"sheconfessed。"Hecomesandgoesasthewhimseizeshim，andIveryseldomknowwhereheis。Oneweekitiswhitingandanothercodling。LatelyheseemstohaveshownsomepartialityforLondonlife。"

Richard’seyeswerewideopennow。

"Youmeantosaythatheisstillnotdoinganything？"

"Nothingwhatever。"

"Butwhatexcusedoeshegive-orratherIshouldsayreason？"

Richardpersisted。

"Hesaysthatheistoooldforaship，andhewon’tworkinanoffice，"Philippareplied。"Thatiswhathesays。HispointofviewissoimpossiblethatIcannotevendiscussitwithhim。"

"It’stherummestgoIevercameacross，"Richardremarkedreminiscently。"IshouldhavesaidthatoldHenrywouldhavebeenupandat’emattheAdmiraltybeforethefirstgunwasfired。"

"Onthecontrary，"Philipparejoined，"hetookadvantageofthewartohireaScotchmoorathalf-price，aboutaweekafterhostilitieshadcommenced。"

"It’sarumgo，"Richardrepeated。"Ican’tfancyHenryasaskulker。Forgiveme，Philippa，"headded。

"Youareentirelyforgiven，"sheassuredhimdrily。

"Hecomesofsuchafinefightingstock，"Richardmused。"I

supposehishealthisallright？"

"Hishealth，"Philippadeclared，"ismarvellous。IshouldthinkheisoneofthestrongestmenIknow。"

Herbrotherpattedherhand。

"You’vebeenmakingratheratroubleofit，oldgirl，"hesaidaffectionately。"It’snogooddoingthat，youknow。YouwaitandletmehaveatalkwithHenry。"

"Ithink，"shereplied，"thatnearlyeverythingpossiblehasalreadybeensaidtohim。"

"Perhapsyou’veputhisbackupabit，"Richardsuggested，"andhemayreallybeonthelookoutforsomethingallthetime。"

"Ithasbeenalongsearch！"Philipparetorted，withquietsarcasm。

"Letustalkaboutsomethingelse。"

Theygossipedforatimeoveracquaintancesandrelations，madetheirplansfortheweek-RichardmustreportattheWarOfficeatonce。

Philippagrewmoreandmoresilentasthemealdrewtoaclose。ItwasatHelen’sinitiativethattheyleftRichardaloneforamomentoverhisport。Shekeptherarmthroughherfriend’sastheycrossedthehallintothedrawing-room，andclosedthedoorbehindthem。Philippastooduponthehearthrug。Alreadyhermouthhadcometogetherinastraightline。11creyesmetHelen’sdefiantly。

"Iknowexactlywhatyouaregoingtosay，Helen，"shebegan，"andIwarnyouthatitwillbeofnouse。"

Helendrewupasmallchairandseatedherselfbeforethefire。

"AreyougoingawaywithMr。Lessingham，Philippa？"sheasked。

"Iam，"wasthecalmresponse。"Imadeupmymindthisafternoon。

Weareleavingto-night。"

Helenstretchedoutonefoottotheblaze。

"Motoring？"sheenquired。

"Naturally，"Philippareplied。"Youknowtherearenotrainsleavinghereto-night。"

"You’llhaveacoldride，"Helenremarked。"Ishouldtakeyourheavyfurcoat。"

Philippastaredathercompanion。

"Youdon’tseemmuchupset，Helen！"

"Ithink，"Helen。declared，lookingup，"thatnothingthathaseverhappenedtomeinmylifehasmadememoreunhappy，butI

canseethatyouhavereasoneditallout，andthereisnotasingleargumentIcouldusewhichyouhaven’talreadydiscounted。

Itisyourlife，Philippa，notmine。"

"Sinceyouaresophilosophical，"Philippaobserved，"letmeaskyou-shouldyoudowhatIamgoingtodo，ifyouwereinmyplace？"

"Ishouldnot，"wasthefirmreply。

Philippalaughedheartily。

"Oh，Iknowwhatyouaregoingtosay！"Helencontinuedquickly。

"You’lltellme，won’tyou，thatIamnottemperamental。IthinkinyourheartyouratherdespisemyabsolutefidelitytoRichard。

Youwouldcallitcowlike，orsomethingofthatsort。Thereisadifferencebetweenus，Philippa，andthatiswhyIamafraidtoarguewithyou。"

"Whatshouldyoudo，"Philippademanded，"ifRichardfailedyouinsomegreatthing？"

"Imightsuffer，"Helenconfessed，"butmylovewouldbethereallthesame。PerhapsforthatreasonIshouldsufferthemore，butI

shouldneverbeabletoseewiththosewhojudgedhimhardly。"

"Youthink，then，"Philippapersisted，"thatIoughtstilltoremainHenry’slovingandaffectionatewife，readytotakemyplaceamongstthepastimesofhislife-whenhefeelsinclined，forinstance，towanderfromhisdarklady-lovetosomethingpetiteandofmycomplexion，orwhenhesettlesdownathomeforafewdaysafterafortnight’ssportontheseaandexpectsmetotellhimthewarnews？"

"Idon’tthinkthatIshoulddothat，"Helenadmittedquietly，"butIamquitecertainthatIshouldn’trunawaywithanotherman。"

"Whynot？"

"BecauseIshouldbepunishingmyselftoomuch。"

Philippa’seyessuddenlyflashed。

"Helen，"shesaid，"youarenotsuchafoolasyoutrytomakemethink。Can’tyouseewhatisreallyatthebackofitallinmymind？Can’tyourealisethat，whateverthepunishmentitmaybring，itwillpunishHenrymore？"

"Isee，"Helenobserved。"YouarerunningawaywithMr。LessinghamtoannoyHenry？"

"Oh，he’llbemorethanannoyed！"Philippalaughedsardonically。

"Hehasterribleideasaboutthesanctityofthingsthatbelongtohim。He’llberemarkablysheepishforsometimetocome。Hemayevenfeelafewlittlestabs。WhenIhavetime，Iamgoingtowritehimaletterwhichhecankeepfortherestofhislife。Itwon’tpleasehim！"

"Whereareyou-andMr。Lessinghamgoingtolive？"Helenenquired。

"InAmerica，tostartwith。I’vealwayslongedtogototheStates。"

"Whatshallyoudo，"Helencontinued，"ifyoudon’tgetoutofthecountrysafely？"

"Mr。Lessinghamseemsquitesurethatweshall，"Philippareplied，"andheseemsapersonofmanyexpedients。Ofcourse，ifwedidn’t，IshouldgobacktoCheshire。Ishouldhavegonebackthere，anyway，beforenow，ifMr。Lessinghamhadn’tcome。"

"Well，itallseemsverysimple，"Helenadmitted。"IthinkMr。

Lessinghamisaperfectlydelightfulperson，andIshouldn’twonderifyoudidn’tnowandthenalmostimaginethatyouwerehappy。"

"Youseemtobetakingmygoingverycoolly，"Philipparemarked。

"ItoldyouhowIfeltaboutitjustnow，"Helenremindedher。

"YourgoingislikeagreatblackcloudthatIhaveseengrowinglargerandlarger，daybyday。Ithinkthat，inhisway，DickwillsufferjustasmuchasHenry。Weshallallbeutterlymiserable。"

"Whydon’tyoutryandpersuademenottogo，then？"Philippademanded。"YousittheretalkingaboutitasthoughIweregoingonanordinarycountry-housevisit。"

Helenraisedherhead，andPhilippasawthathereyeswerefilledwithtears。

"Philippadear，"shesaid，"ifIthoughtthatallthetearsthatwereevershed，allthewordsthatwereeverdraggedfromone’sheart，couldhaveanyrealeffect，I’dgoonmykneestoyounowandimploreyoutogiveupthisidea。ButIthink-youwon’tbeangrywithme，dear？-Ithinkyouwouldgojustthesame。"

"YouseemtothinkthatIamobstinate，"Philippacomplained。

"Yousee，youaretemperamental，dear，"Helenremindedher。"Youhaveacomplexnature。Iknowverywellthatyouneedthedaily=20

lovethatHenrydoesn’tseemtohavebeenwillingtogiveyoulately，andIcouldn’tstopyourturningtowardsthesun，youknow。

Only-allthetimethere’sthatterribleanxiety-areyouquitesureitisthesun？"

"YoubelieveinMr。Lessingham，don’tyou？"Philippaasked。

"Idoindeed，"Helenreplied。"Iamnotquitesure，though，thatIbelieveinyou。"

Philippawasalittlestartled。

"Well，Inever！"sheexclaimed。"Exactlywhatdoyoumeanbythat，Helen？"

"Iamnotquitesure，"Helencontinued，"thatwhenthemomenthasreallycome，andyourheadisupturnedandyourarmsoutstretched，andyourfeethaveleftthisworldinwhichyouarenow，Iamnotquitesurethatyouwillfindallthatyouseek。"

"Youthinkhedoesn’tloveme？"

"Iamnotconvinced，"Helenrepliedcalmly，"thatyoulovehim。"

"Why，youidiot，"Philippadeclaredfeverishly，"ofcourseIlovehim！Ithinkheisoneofthesweetest，mostlovablepersonsI

everknew，andastohisbeingaSwede，Ishouldn’tcarewhetherhewereaFijiIslanderoraChinese。"

Helennoddedsympathetically。

"Iagreewithyou，"shesaid，"butlisten。YouknowthatIhaven’tutteredasinglewordtodissuadeyou。Well，then，grantmejustonething。Beforeyoustartoffthisevening，tellMr。Lessinghamthetruth，whateveritmaybe，thetruthwhichyouhaven’ttoldme。

Itverylikelywon’tmakeanydifference。Twopeopleasniceasyouandhe，whoaregoingtojointheirlives，generallydo，Ibelieve，findthethingstheyseek。Still，tellhim。"

Philippamadenoreply。Richardopenedthedoorandlingereduponthethreshold。Helenrosetoherfeet。

"Iamcoming，Dick，"shecalledoutcheerfully。"There’sagorgeousfireinthegunroom，andtwobigeasy-chairs，andwe’llhavejustthetimeIhavebeenlookingforwardtoallday。You’lltellmethings，won’tyou？

Shelookedverysweetasshecametowardshim，hereyesraisedtohim，herfacefulloftheonehappiness。Hepassedhisarmaroundherwaist。

"I’lltry，dear，"hesaid。"Youwon’tbelonely，Philippa？"

"I’llcomeanddisturbyouwhenIam，"shepromised。

Thedoorclosed。Shestoodgazingdownintothefire，listeningtotheirfootstepsastheycrossedthehall。

CHAPTERXXXI

Lessinghamstoodforamomentbythesideofthecarfromwhichhehadjustdescended，glancedatthehugetiresandthetinsofpetrollashedonbehind。

"Nothingmoreyouwant，chauffeur？"heasked。

"Nothing，sir，"wasthealmostinaudiblereply。

"Youhavetheroutemap？"

"Yes，sir，andenoughpetrolforthreehundredmiles。"

Lessinghamturnedaway，pushedopenthegate，andwalkedupthedriveofMainsailHaul。Decidedlyitwasthemomentofhislife。

Hewashard-pressed，asheknew，byothersbesidesGriffiths。A

fewhoursnowwasallthestarthecouldreasonablyexpect。Hewasfacetofacewithaveryrealandseriousdanger，whichhecouldnolongerignore，andfromwhichescapewasallthetimebecomingmoredifficult。Andyetalltheemotionalismofthisclimaxwascenteredelsewhere。ItwasfromPhilippa’slipsthathewouldhearhisrealsentence；itwasheranswerwhichwouldfillhimoncemorewiththelustforlife，orsendhimoninhisrushthroughthenightforsafety，callous，almostindifferentastoitsresult。

Hewalkedupthedrive，curiouslyathisease，inastateofsuspendedanimation，whichknewnohopeandfearednodisappointment。Justbeforehereachedthefrontdoor，theposterngateinthewallonhisleft-handsideopened，andPhilippastoodthere，muffledupinherfurcoat，framedinthefaintandshadowymoonlightagainstthebackgroundofseaboundedspace。Hemovedeagerlytowardsher。

"Iheardthecar，"shewhispered。"Comeandsitdownforamoment。

Itisn’tintheleastcold，andthemoonisjustcomingupoverthesea。Icameout，"shewenton，ashewalkedobedientlybyherside，"becausethehousesomehowstifledme。"

Sheledhimtoaseat。Below，thelongwaveswerebreakingthroughupontherocks，throwinglittlefountainsofsprayintotheair。

Thevillagewhichlayattheirfeetwassilentandlifeless-therewas，indeed，acuriousabsenceofsound，exceptwhentheincomingwavesbrokeupontherocksandgroundthepebblestogetherintheirlong，backwardswish。Verysoonthesleepingcountry，nowwrappedinshadows，wouldtakeformandoutlineinthelightoftherisingmoon；hedgeswoulddividethesquarefields，theblackwoodswouldtakeshapeandthehillstheirmysticsolemnity。Butthosefewminuteswereminutesofsuspense。Lessinghamwastosomeextentconsciousoftheirqueer，allegoricalsignificance。

"Ihavecome，"heremindedherquitesteadily，"formyanswer。"

Sheshowedhimthesmallbagbyhersideupontheseat，andtouchedhercloak。Shewasindeedpreparedforajourney。

"Yousee，"shetoldhim，"hereIam。"

Hisfacewassuddenlytransformed。Shewasalmostafraidoftheeffectofherwords。Shefoundherselfstrugglinginhisarms。

"Notyet，"shebegged。"Pleaserememberwhereweare。"

Hereleasedherreluctantly。Afewyardsaway，theycouldhearthesoftpurringofthesix-cylinderengine，inexorablereminderofthepassingmoments。Hecaughtherbythehand。

"Come，"hewhisperedpassionately。"Everymomentisprecious。"

Shehesitatednolonger。Theopenposterngateseemedtohimsuddenlytoleaddownthegreatthoroughfareofanewandsplendidlife。Hewastobeoneofthosefavouredfewtowhomwasgiventhedivineprize。Andthenhestoppedshort，evenwhileshewalkedwillinglybyhisside。Heknewsowelltheneedforhaste。Thegentlemurmurofthatenginewasinvitinghimallthewhile。Yetheknewtherewasonethingmorewhichmustbesaid。

"Philippa，"hebegan，"youknowwhatwearedoing？Wecanescape，Ibelieve。Myflightisallwonderfullyarranged。Buttherewillbenocomingback。Itwillbealloverwhenourcarpassesoverthehillsthere。Youwillnotregret？Youcareenoughevenforthissupremesacrifice？"

"IshallneverreproachyouaslongasIlive，"shepromised。"I

havemadeupmymindtocome，andIamready。"

"Butitisbecauseyoucare？"hepleadedanxiously。

"ItisbecauseIcare，foronereason。"

"Inthegreatway？"hepersisted。"Intheonlyway？"

Shehesitated。Hesuddenlyfeltherhandgrowcolderinhis。Hesawherframeshiverbeneathitsweightoffurs。

"Don’taskmequitethat，"shebeggedbreathlessly。"BecontenttoknowthatIhavecountedthecost，andthatIamwillingtocome。"

Hefeltthechillofimpendingdisaster。Heclosedthelittlegatethroughwhichtheyhadbeenabouttopass，andstoodwithhisbacktoit。Inthatfaintlightwhichseemedtocreepovertheworldbeforethemoonitselfwasrevealed，sheseemedtohimatthatmomentthefairest，themostdesirablethingonearth。Herfacewasupturnedtowardshis，halfpathetic，halfprotestingagainsttherevelationwhichhewasforcingfromher。

"Listen，Philippa，"hesaid，"MissFaircloughwarnedmeofonething。

Iputitononeside。Itdidnotseemtobepossible。NowImustaskyouaquestion。Youhavesomeothermotive，haveyounot，forchoosingtocomeaway’withme？Itisnotonlybecauseyoulovemebetterthananyoneelseintheworld，asIdoyou，andthereforethatwebelongtooneanotheranditisrightandgoodthatweshouldspendourlivesinoneanother’scompany？Thereissomethingelse，istherenot，attherootofyourdetermination？Someally？"

ItwasastrangemomentforPhilippa。Nothinghadalteredwithinher，andyetawonderfulpitywasglowinginherheart，tearingatheremotions，bringingasobintoherthroat。

"Youmean-Henry？shefaltered。

=20

"Imeanyourhusband，"heassented。

Shewassuddenlypassionatelyangrywithherself。Itseemedtoherthatthedaysofchildishnesswereback。Shewasbehavinglikeanimbecilewhilstheplayedthegreatgame。

"Yousee，"hewenton，hisownvoicealittleunsteady，"thisisoneofthosemomentsinbothourliveswhenanythingexcepttheexacttruthwouldmeanshipwreck。Youstillloveyourhusband？"

"Iamsuchafool！"shesobbed，clutchingathisarm。

"Youwerewillingtogoawaywithme，"hecontinuedmercilessly，"partlybecauseoftheangeryoufelttowardshim，andpartlyoutofrevenge，andjustalittlebecauseyoulikedme。Isthatnotso？"

Herheadpresseduponhisarm。Shenodded。Itwasjustthatconvulsivemovementofherhead，withitswealthofwonderfulhairanditsplainblackmotoringhat，whichdealtthedeath-blowtohishopes。Shewasjustachildoncemore-andshetrustedhim。

"Verywell，then，"hesaid，"justletmethink-foramoment。"

Sheunderstoodenoughnottoraiseherhead。Lessinghamwasgazingoutthroughthechaoticshadowsofthedistantbanksof=20cloudsfromwhichthemoonwasrising。Alreadythepainhadbegun，andyetwithitwasthatqueersenseofexaltationwhichcomeswithsacrifice。

"Wehavebeenverynearlyfoolish，"hetoldher，withgravekindliness。"Itiswell，perhaps，thatwewereintime。Thosewindowswhichleadintoyourlibrary，-throughwhichIfirstcametoyou，by-the-by，-"headded，withastrange，reminiscentlittlesigh，"aretheyopen？"。

"Yes！"shewhispered。

"Come，then，"heinvited。"BeforeIleavethereissomethingIwanttomakecleartoyou。"

Theymadetheirwayratherliketwoconspiratorsalongthelittleterracedwalk。Philippaopenedthewindowandcloseditagainbehindthem。Theroomwasempty。Lessingham，watchingherclosely，almostgroanedashesawthewonderfulreliefinherface。Shethrewoffthecloak，andhegroanedagainasherememberedhownearlyithadbeenhistasktoremoveit。Inherplaintravellingdress，sheturnedandlookedathimverypathetically。

"Youhave，perhaps，amorningpaperhere？"heenquired。

"Anewspaper？Why，yes，theTimes，"sheanswered，alittlesurprised。

Hetookitfromthetabletowardswhichshepointed，andhelditunderthelamplight。Presentlyhecalledtoher。Hisforefingerresteduponacertaincolumn。

"Readthis，"hedirected。

Shereaditoutinatonewhichpassedfromsurprisetoblankwonder：

CommanderSirHenryCranston，Baronet，toreceivetheD。S。0。forspecialservices，andtobepromotedtotherankofActingRear-Admiral。

"Whatdoesitmean？"sheaskedfeverishly。"Henry？AD。S。0。forHenryforspecialservices？"

"Itmeans，"hetoldher，withaforcedsmile，"thatyourhusbandis，asyouputitinyourexpressivelanguage，afraud。"

CHAPTERXXXII

ForamomentPhilippawasunsteadyuponherfeet。Lessinghamledhertoachair。Fromoutsidecamethelow，cautioushootingofthemotorhorn，callingtoitsdilatorypassenger。

"Icannot，ofcourse，explaineverythingtoyou，"hebegan，inatoneofunusualrestraint，"butIdoknowthatforthelasttwoyearsyourhusbandhasbeenresponsibletotheAdmiraltyformostoftheminefieldsaroundyoureastcoast。Tobeginwith，hisstayinScotlandwasasham。Hewasmostofthetimewiththefleetandroundthecoasts。Hisfishingexcursionsfromherehavebeenofthesameorder，onlymoreso。Alltheplacesofimportance，fromheretothemouthoftheThames，havebeenmined，orrathertheapproachestothemhavebeenmined，underhisinstructions。Mymissioninthiscountry，hereatDreymarsh-donotshrinkfrommeifyoucanhelpit-wastoobtainacopyofhismineprotectionschemeofacertaintownontheeastcoast。"

"WhyshouldIshrinkfromyou？"shemurmured。"Thisisalltoowonderful！WhatalittlebeastHenrymustthinkme！"sheadded，withtrulyfeminineandmarvellouslyselfishirrelevance。

"YouandMissFairclough，"Lessinghamwenton，"haveratherscoffedatmypresencehereonbehalfofourSecretService。Itseemedtoyoubothveryridiculous。Nowyouunderstand。"

"Itmakesnodifference，"Philippaprotestedtearfully。"Youalwaystoldusthetruth。"

"AndIshallcontinuetodoso，"Lessinghamassuredher。"Iamnotacleverpersonatmyworkwhichisallnewtome，butfortunefavouredmethenightyourhusbandwasshipwrecked。Isucceededinstealingfromhim，onboardthatwreckedtrawler，theplanoftheminefieldwhichIwassentovertoprocure。"

"Ofcourseyouhadtodoitifyoucould，"Philippasobbed。"I

thinkitwasverycleverofyou。"

Hesmiled。

"Thereareotherswhomightlookatthematterdifferently，"hesaid。

"IamgoingtoaskyouaquestionwhichIknowisunnecessary，butImusthaveyouranswertotakeawaywithme。Ifyouhadknownallthetimethatyourhusband，insteadofbeingaskulker，asyouthoughthim，wasreallydoingsplendidworkforhiscountry，youwouldnothavelistenedtomeforonemoment，wouldyou？Youwouldnothaveletmegrowtoloveyou？"

Sheclutchedhishands。

"Youarethedearestmanintheworld，"sheexclaimed，herlipsstillquivering，"but，asyousay，youknowtheanswer。IwasalwaysinlovewithHenry。ItwasbecauseIlovedhimthatIwassofurious。Ilikedyousomuchthatitwasmeanofmeevertothinkof-ofwhatsonearlyhappened。"

"Sonearlyhappened！"herepeated，withasuddenaccessofthebitterestself-pity。

Oncemorethelow，warninghootofthemotorhorn，thistimealittlemoreimpatient，brokethesilence。Philippawasfilledwithanunreasoningterror。

"Youmustgo！"sheimplored。"Youmustgothisminute！Iftheyweretotakeyou，Icouldn’tbearit。AndthatmanGriffiths-hehasswornthatifhecannotgettheGovernmentauthority，hewillshootyou！"

"GriffithshasgonetoLondon，"heremindedher。

"Yes，buthemaybebackbythistrain，"shecried，glancingattheclock，"andIhaveastrangesortoffancy-Ihavehaditallday-thatHenrymightcome，too。Itisoverduenow。Anyonemightarrivehere。Oh，please，formysake，hurryaway！"shebegged，thetearsstreamingfromhereyes。"Ifanythingshouldhappen，Icouldneverforgivemyself。Itisbecauseyouhavebeensodear，sotrueandhonourable，thatallthistimehasbeenwasted。Ifitweretocostyouyourlife！"

Shewasseizedbyafitofnervousanxietywhichbecamealmostaparoxysm。Shebuttonedhiscoatforhimandalmostdraggedhimtothedoor。Andthenshestoppedforamomenttolisten。Hereyesbecamedistended。Herlipswereparted。Sheshookasthoughwithanague。

"Itistoolate！"shefalteredhysterically。"IcanhearHenry’svoice！Quick！Cometothewindow。Youmustgetoutthatwayandthroughtheposterngate。"

"Yourhusbandwillhaveseenthecar，"heprotested。"Andbesides，thereisyourdressing-bagandyourtravellingcoat。"

"Ishalltellhimeverything，"shedeclaredwildly。"Nothingmattersexceptthatyouescape。Oh，hurry！IcanhearHenrytalkingtoJimmyDumble-forGod’ssake-"

Thewordsdiedawayuponherlips。Thedoorhadbeenopenedandclosedagainimmediately。Therewasthequickturnofthelock，soundingliketheclickoffate。SirHenry，wellinsidetheroom，noddedtothembothaffably。

"Well，Philippa？Youweren’texpectingme，eh？Hullo，Lessingham！

Notgoneyet？Runningitatriflefine，aren’tyou？"

Lessinghamglancedtowardsthefasteneddoor。

"Perhaps，"headmitted，"atrifletoofine。"

SirHenrywassuddenlytakenbystorm。Philippahadthrownherselfintohisarms。Herfingerswerelockedaroundhisneck。Herlips，hereyes，werepleadingwithhim。

"Henry！Henry，youmustforgiveme！Ineverknew-Ineverdreamedwhatyouwerereallydoing。Ishallneverforgivemyself，butyou-youwillbegenerous"

"That’sallright，dear，"hepromised，stoopingdowntokissher。

"Partlymyfault，ofcourse。IhadtohumourthoseoldladiesdownatWhitehall1whowantedmetoposeasaparticularlyharmlessidiot。Yousee，"hewenton，glancingtowardsLessingham，"theywerealwaysafraidthatmystepsmightbedoggedbyspies，ifmypositionweregenerallyknown。"

Philippadidnotrelinquishherattitude。Shewasstillclingingtoherhusband。Sherefusedtolethimgo。

"Henry，"shebegged，"oh，listentome！Ihavesomuchtoconfess，somuchofwhichIamashamed！Andyet，withitall，Iwanttoentreat-toimploreonegreatfavourfromyou。"

SirHenrylookeddownintohiswife’sface。

"IsitoneIcangrant？"heaskedgravely。

"Ifyouwantmeevertobehappyagain，youwill，"shesobbed。

"ForHelen’ssakeaswellasmine，helpMr。Lessinghamtoescape。"

Lessinghamtookaquickstepforward。Hehadtheairofonewhohasreachedthelimitsofhisendurance。

"Youmeanthiskindly，LadyCranston，Iknow，"hesaid，"butI

desirenointervention。"

SirHenrypattedhiswife’shandandheldheralittleawayfromhim。Therewasacuriousbutunmistakablechangeinhisdeportment。

Hismouthhadnotaltogetherlostitshumoroustwist，buthisjawseemedmoreapparent，thelightinhiseyeswaskeener，andtherewasaringofauthorityinhistone。

"Come，"hesaid，"letusunderstandoneanother，Philippa，andyouhadbetterlisten，too，Mr。Lessingham。Icanpromiseyouthatyourchancesofescapewillnotbediminishedbymytakingupthesefewminutesofyourtime。Philippa，"hewenton，turningbacktoher，"youhavealwaysposedasbeinganexceedinglypatrioticEnglishwoman，yetitseemstomethatyouhavemadeabargainwiththisman，knowingfullwellthathewasintheserviceofGermany，togivehimshelterandhospitalityhere，accesstomyhouseandprotectionamongstyourfriends，inreturnforcertainfavoursshowntowardsyourbrother。"

Philippawasspeechless。ItwasaviewofthematterwhichsheandHelenhadstrivensoeagerlytoavoid。

"But，Henry，"sheprotested，"hisstayhereseemedsoharmless。YouyourselfhavelaughedattheideaofespionageatDreymarsh。Thereisnothingtodiscover。Thereisnothinggoingonherewhichthewholeworldmightnotknow。"

"Thatwasnevermyplea，"Lessinghamintervened。

"Norisitthetruth，"SirHenryaddedsternly。

TheBaronMaderstromwassenthere，Philippa，tospyuponme，togainaccessbyanymeanstothishouse，tosteal，ifhecould，certainplansandchartspreparedbyme。"

Philippabegantotremble。Sheseemedbereftofwords。

"Hetoldmethis，"shefaltered。"Hetoldmenothalfanhourago。"

Therewasatappingatthedoor。SirHenrymovedtowardsitbutdidnotturnthekey。

"Whoisthat？"heasked。

"CaptainGriffithsisherewithanescort，sir，"Millsannounced。

"Hehasseizedthemotorcaroutside，andhebegstobeallowedtocomein。"

CHAPTERXXXIII

Mills’wordswereplainlyaudiblethroughouttheroom。PhilippamadeeagersignstoLessingham，pointingtotheFrenchwindows。

Lessingham，however，shookhishead。

"Iprefer，"hesaidgently，"tofinishmyconversationwithyourhusband。"’

Therewasanotherandmoreinsistentsummonsfromoutside。ThistimeitwasCaptainGriffiths’raucousvoice。

"SirHenryCranston，"hecalledout，"Iamherewithauthority。I

begtobeadmitted。"

"Whereisyourescort？"

"Inthehall。"

"IfIletyoucomein，"SirHenrycontinued，"willyoucomealone？"

"Ishouldpreferit，"wastheeagerreply。"Iwishtomakethisbusinessaslittleunpleasantto-toeverybodyaspossible。"

SirHenrysoftlyturnedthekey，openedthedoor，andadmittedGriffiths。ThemanseemedtoseenooneelsebutLessingham。Hewouldhavehastenedatoncetowardshim，butSirHenrylaidhishanduponhisarm。

"Youmustkindlyrestrainyourimpatienceforafewmoments，"heinsisted。"Thisisaprivateconference。YourbusinesswiththeBaronMaderstromcanbeadjustedlater。"

"Itismyduty，"Griffithsproclaimedimpatiently，"toarrestthatmanasaspy。Ihaveauthority，grantedmethismorninginLondon。"

"Quiteso，"SirHenryobserved，"butweareinthemidstofaveryinterestinglittlediscussionwhichIintendtoconclude。Yourturnwillcomelater，CaptainGriffiths。"

"Icancountenancenodiscussionwithsuchmenasthat，"Griffithsdeclaredscornfully。"Iamhereintheexecutionofmyduty，andIresentanyinterferencewithit。"

"Noonewishestointerferewithyou，"SirHenryassuredhim，"butuntilIsaythewordyouwillobeymyorders。"

"SofarasIamconcerned，"Lessinghamintervened，"IwishittobeunderstoodthatIoffernodefence。"

"Youhavenodefence，"SirHenryremindedhimsuavely。"Igatherthatnotonlyhadyoutheeffronterytostealachartfrommypocketinthemidstofalifestruggleuponthetrawler，butyouhavecappedthisexploitwithadeliberateattempttoabductmywife。"

Griffithsseemedforamomentalmostbesidehimself。Hiseyesglowed。Hislongfingerstwitched。HekeptedgingalittlenearertoLessingham。

"Bothcharges，"thelatterconfessed，lookingSirHenryintheeyes，"aretrue。"

ThenPhilippafoundherself。Shesawthesuddenflashinherhusband’seyes，thegrimfuryinGriffiths’face。Shesteppedoncemoreforward。

"Henry，"sheinsisted，"youmustlistentowhatIhavetosay。"

"Wehavehadenoughwords，"Griffithsinterposedsavagely。

SirHenryignoredtheinterruption。

"Iamlistening，Philippa，"hesaidcalmly。

"ItwasmyintentionanhouragotoleavethisplacewithMr。

Lessinghamto-night，"shetoldhimdeliberately。

"Thedevilitwas！"SirHenrymuttered。

"Asforthereason，youknowit，"shecontinued，hertonefullofcourage。"Iamwillingtothrowmyselfatyourfeetnow，butallthesameIwashardlytreated。Iwasmadethescapegoatofyourstupidpromise。Youkeptmeinignoranceofthingsawifeshouldknow。Youevenencouragedmetobelieveyouacoward，whenasinglewordfromyouwouldhavechangedeverything。Therefore，I

saythatitisyouwhoareresponsibleforwhatInearlydid，andwhatIshouldhavedonebutforhim-listen，Henry-butforhim！"

"Butforhim，"herhusbandrepeatedcuriously。

"ItwasMr。Lessingham，"shedeclared，"whoopenedmyeyesconcerningyou。Itwashewhorefusedtoletmeyieldtothatimpulseofanger。

Lookatmycoatthere。Mybagisonthattable。Iwasreadytoleavewithhimto-night。Beforewewent，heinsistedontellingmeeverythingaboutyou。Hecouldhaveescaped，andIwaswillingtogowithhim。Instead，hespentthosepreciousminutestellingmethetruthaboutyou。Thatwastheend。"

"LadyCranstonomitstoadd，"Lessinghamputin，"thatbeforeIdidsoshetoldmefranklythatherfeelingsformewereofwarmfriendliness-thatherlovewasgiventoherhusband，andherhusbandonly。"

"Howlongisthistogoon？"Griffithsaskedharshly。"Ihavetheauthorityhereandthepowertotakethatman。Thesedomesticexplanationshavenothingtodowiththecase。"

"Excuseme，"SirHenryretorted，withquietemphasis，"theyhaveagreatdealtodowithit。"

"IamCommandantofthisplace-"Griffithscommenced。

"AndIpossessanauthorityherewhichyouhadbetternotdispute，"

SirHenryremindedhimsternly。

Therewasamoment’stensesilence。Griffithssethisteethhard，buthishandwanderedtowardsthebackofhisbelt。

"Iamnow，"SirHenrycontinued，"goingtoannouncetoyouapieceofnews，overwhichweshallallbegloatingwhento-morrowmorning’snewspapersareissued，butwhichisnotasyetgenerallyknown。

Duringlastnight，aconsiderablesquadronofGermancruisersmanagedtocrosstheNorthSeaandfoundtheirwaytoacertainportofconsiderableimportancetous。

Lessinghamstarted，Hisfacewasdrawnasthoughwithpain。Hehadtheairofonewhoshrinksfromthenewsheisabouttohear。

"Incidentally，"SirHenrycontinued，"three-quartersofthesquadronalsofoundtheirwaytothebottomofthesea，andtheotherquartermetourownsquadron，lyinginwaitfortheirretreat，andwillnotreturn。"

Lessinghamswayedforamomentuponhisfeet。OnecouldalmostfancythatSirHenry’stonewastingedwithpityasheturnedtowardshim。

"Thechartoftheminefieldofwhichyoupossessedyourself，hesaid，"whichitwastheobjectofyourvisitheretosecure，wasachartspeciallypreparedforyou。Yousee，ourownSecretServiceisnotaltogetherasleep。Thoseverysafeandinviting-lookingchannelsforBritishandAlliedtraffic-Imarkedthemveryclearly，didn’tI？-werewhereI’dlaidmymines。Thechannelswhichyourcruiserssocarefullyavoidedweretheonlysafeavenues。Soyouseewhyitis，Maderstrom，thatIhavenogrudgeagainstyou。"

Lessingham’sfaceforamomentwasthefaceofastrickenman。

Therewasalookofdullhorrorinhiseyes。

"Isthisthetruth？"hegasped。

"Itisthetruth，"SirHenryassuredhimgravely。

"Doesthisconcludetheexplanations？"CaptainGriffithsdemandedimpatiently。"Yournewsismagnificent，SirHenry。Asregardsthisfelon-"

SirHenryhelduphishand。

"Maderstrom’sfate，"hesaid，"isminetodealwithandnotyours，CaptainGriffiths。"

Philippawasthefirsttograsptheintentionsofthemanwhowasstandingonlyafewfeetfromher。Shethrewherselfuponhisarmanddraggeddowntherevolverwhichhehadraised。SirHenry，withashoutoffury，wasuponthematonce。HetookGriffithsbythethroatandthrewhimuponthesofa。Therevolverclatteredharmlesslyontothecarpet。

"HisMajesty’sServicehasnouseformadmen，"hethundered。"YouknowthatIpossesssuperiorauthorityhere。"

"Thatmanshallnotescape！"Griffithsshouted。

Hestruggledforhiswhistle。SirHenrysnatcheditfromhimandpickeduptherevolverfromthecarpet。

"Lookhere，Griffiths，"heremonstratedseverely，"onesinglemoveinoppositiontomywisheswillcostyouyourcareer。Lettherebenomisunderstandingaboutit。Thatmanwillnotbearrestedbyyouto-night。"

Griffithsstaggeredtohisfeet。Hewashalfcowed，halffurious。

"Youtaketheresponsibilityforthis，SirHenry？"hedemandedthickly。"Themanisaprovedtraitor。Ifyouassisthimtoescape，youaresubjecttopenalties-"

SirHenrythrewopenthedoor。

"CaptainGriffiths，"heinterrupted，"Iamnotignorantofmypositioninthismatter。Believeme，yourlastchanceofretainingyourpositionhereistorememberthatyouhavehadspecificorderstoyieldtomyauthorityinallmatters。Kindlyleavethisroomandtakeyoursoldiersbacktotheirquarters。"

Griffithshesitatedforasinglemoment。Hehadtheappearanceofamanhalfdementedbyapassionwhichcouldfindnooutlet。Thenhelefttheroom，withoutsalute，withoutaglancetotherightortotheleft。Outinthehall，amomentlater，theyheardaharshvoiceofcommand。Thehalldoorwasopenedandclosedbehindthesoundofretreatingfootsteps。

"SirHenry，"Lessinghamremindedhim，"Ihavenotaskedforyourintervention。"

"Mydearfellow，youwouldn’t，"wasthepromptreply。"AsforthelittletroublethathashappenedintheNorthSea，don’ttakeittoomuchtoheart，itwasentirelythefaultofthepeoplewhosentyouhere。"

"Thefaultofthepeoplewhosentmehere，"Lessinghamrepeated。

"Iscarcelyunderstand。"

"It’ssimpleenough，"SirHenrycontinued。"Yousee，youareaboutasfittobeaspyasPhilippa，mywifehere，istobeadetective。

Youpossesstheoneinsuperableobstacleofhavingtheinstinctsofagentleman-Come，come，"hewenton，"wehavenothingmoretosaytooneanother。Openthatwindowandtakethenarrowpathdowntothebeach。JimmyDumbleiswaitingforyouatthegate。HewillrowyououttoaDutchtrawlerwhichislyingevennowoffthepoint。"

"Youmeanmetogetaway？"Lessinghamexclaimed，bewildered。

"Believeme，itwillcostnothing，"SirHenryassuredhim。"IwasnotbluffingwhenItoldCaptainGriffithsthatIhadsupremeauthorityhere。HeknowsperfectlywellthatIamwithinmyrightsinaidingyourescape。"

PhilippamovedswiftlytowhereLessinghamwasstanding。Shegavehimherhands。

"Dearfriend，"shebegged，"sowonderfulafriendasyouhavebeen，don’trefusethislastthing。"

"Beasensiblefellow，Maderstrom，"SirHenrysaid。"Rememberthatyoucan’tdoyourselforyouradoptedcountryaha’porthofgoodbyplayingtheQuixote。"

"Besides，"Philippacontinued，holdinghishandstightly，"itis，afterall，onlyanexchange。YouhavesavedHenry’slife，setRichardfree，andbroughtushappiness。Whyshouldyouhesitatetoacceptyourownliberty？"

SirHenrythrewopenthewindowandlookedtowardsagreenlightoutatsea。

"There’syourtrawler，"hepointedout，"andrememberthetidewillturninhalfanhour。Idon’twishtohurryyou"

LessinghamraisedPhilippa’sfingerstohislips。

"Ishallthinkofyoubothalways，"hesaidsimply。"Youareverywonderfulpeople。"

Heturnedtowardsthewindow。SirHenrytookuptheHomburghatfromthetablebyhisside。

"Bettertakeyourhat，"hesuggested。

Lessinghampaused，acceptedit，andlookedsteadfastlyatthedonor。

"Youknewfromthefirst？"heasked。

"Fromtheveryfirst，"SirHenryassuredhim。"Don’tlooksoconfounded，"hewentonconsolingly。"Rememberthatespionageistheonlyprofessioninwhichitisanhonourtofail。"

Philippacamealittleshylyintoherhusband’sarms，asheturnedbackintotheroom。Thetendernessinhisownface，however，andalittlecatchinhisvoice，brokedownatoncethewallofreservewhichhadgrownupbetweenthem。

"Mydearlittlewoman！"hemurmured。"Mylittlesweetheart！Youdon’tknowhowI’veachedtoexplaineverythingtoyou-includingtheRussianladies。"

"Explainthematonce，sir！"Philippainsisted，pretendingtodrawherfaceawayforamoment。

"Theywerethewifeandsister-in-lawoftheRussianAdmiral，Draskieff，whowassentovertoreportuponourmethodofminelaying，"hetoldher。

"YouandIhavetogouptoalittledinnertheyaregivingto-morroworthenextday。

"Oh，dear，whatanidiotIwas！"Philippaexclaimedruefully。"I

imagined-allsortsofthings。But，Henrydear，"shewenton，"doyouknowthatwehaveagreatsurpriseforyou-hereinthehouse？"

"Nosurprise，dear，"heassuredher，shakinghishead。"IknewtheveryhourthatRichardleftWittenberg。Andhereheis，byJove！"

RichardandHelenenteredtogether。PhilippacouldnotevenwaitfortheconclusionoftheheartybutexceedinglyBritishgreetingwhichpassedbetweenthetwomen。

"Listentome，bothofyou！"shecriedincoherently-"Helen，youespecially！Youneverheardanythingsowonderfulinyourlife！

Theyweren’tfishingexcursionsatall。Thereweren’tanywhiting。

Henrywaslayingminesallthetime，andhe’sblownuphalftheGermanfleet！It’sallintheTimesthismorning。He’sgotaD。S。0-

Henryhas-andhe’saRear-Admiral！Oh，Helen，Iwanttocry！"

Thetwowomenwanderedintoafarcorneroftheroom。Richardwrunghisbrother-in-law’shand。

"Philippaisn’texactlycoherent，"heremarked，"butitsoundsallright。"

"Yousee，"SirHenryexplained，"I’vebeenminelayingeversincethewarstarted。Ialwayshadideasofmyownaboutminefields，asyoumayremember。IstartedwithScotland，andthentheymovedmedownhere。TheAdmiraltythoughtthey’dbemightyclever，andtheyinsisteduponmykeepingmyjobsecret。ItledtoalittletroublewithPhilippa，butIthinkwearethroughwithallthat-

Isupposeyouknowthatthosetwoyoungwomenhavebeenengagedinaregularconspiracy，Dick？"

"Iknowalittle，"Richardrepliedgravely，"andI’msureyouwillbelievethatIwouldn’thavecountenanceditforamomentifI’dhadanyideawhattheywereupto。"

"I’msureyouwouldn’t，"SirHenryagreed。"Anyway，itledtonoharm。"

"Maderstrom，then，"Richardasked，withasuddenmorecompleteapprehensionoftheaffair，"wasoverheretospyuponyou？"

"That’stheticket，"SirHenryassented。

Richardfrowned。

"AndhebribedPhilippaandHelenwithmyliberty！"

"Don’tyouworryaboutthat，"hisbrother-in-lawbegged。"TheymusthaveknownbyinstinctthatachaplikeMaderstromcouldn’tdoanyharm。"

"Whereishenow？"Richardaskedeagerly。"Heleninsisteduponkeepingmeoutofthewaybutwe’veheardallsortsofrumours。TheCommandanthasbeenuphereafterhim，hasn’the？"

"Yes，andIsenthimawaywithafleainhisear！Idon’tlikethefellow。"

"AndMaderstrom？"

"Thepseudo-Mr。Lessingham，eh？"SirHenryobserved。"Well，totellyouthetruth，Dick，ifthereisonepersonIamalittlesorryforinthehistoryofthelastfewweeks，it’sMaderstrom。"

"You，too？"Richardexclaimed。"Why，everyoneseemscrazyaboutthefellow。"

SirHenrynodded。

"Irememberhiminyourcollegedays，Dick。Hewasagentlemanandagoodsort，onlyunfortunatelyhismotherwasaGerman。HedidhisbitofsoldieringwiththePrussianGuardsatthebeginningofthewar，gotaknockandvolunteeredfortheSecretService。Theysenthimoverhere。Thefellowmusthavenoendofpluck，for，asIdaresayyouknow，theylethimdownfromtheobservationcarofaZeppelin。Hefindshiswayhereallright，makeshissillylittlebargainwithourdearbutgulliblewomenkind，andsetshimselftowatch-towatchme，mind。Thewholeaffairistooridiculouslytransparent。Foratimehecan’tbringhimselfeventotouchmypapershere，although，asithappens，theywouldn’thavedonehimtheleastbitofgood。ItwasonlythestressandexcitementoftheshipwrecklastweekthatheventuredtostealthechartwhichIhadsocarefullypreparedforhim。Ireallythink，ifhehadn’tdonethat，Ishouldhavehadtoslipitintohispocketorabsolutelyforceituponhimsomehow。Hesendsitofflikealambandbeholdtheresult！We’vecrippledtheGermanNavyfortherestofthewar。"

"Itwasafakedchart，then，ofcourse？"Richarddemandedbreathlessly。

"AndquitethecleverestIeverprepared，"SirHenryacknowledged。

"IcanassureyouthatitwouldhavetakeninVonTirpitzhimself，ifhe’dgotholdofit。"

"ButwhereisMaderstromnow，sir？"Richardasked。

SirHenrymovedhisheadtowardsthewindow，wherePhilippa，forthelastfewmoments，hadsoftlytakenherplace。Hereyeswerewatchingagreenlightbobbingupanddowninthedistance。Suddenlyshegavealittleexclamation。

"It’smoving！"shecried。"He’soff！"

"He’ssafeonaDutchtrawler，"SirHenrydeclared。"AndIthink，"

headded，movingtowardsthesideboard，"it’stimeyouandIhadadrinktogether，Dick。"

Theyhelpedthemselvestowhiskyandsoda。Therewerestillmanyexplanationstobegiven。Half-concealedbythecurtain，Philippastoodwithhereyesturnedseawards。Thegreenlightwasdimmernow，andthelow，blackoutlineofthetrawlercreptslowlyovertheglitteringtrackofmoonlight。Shegavealittlestartasitcameintosight。Therewasasobinherthroat，tearsburninginhereyes。Herfingersclutchedthecurtainsalmostpassionately。

Shestoodtherewatchinguntilhereyesached。Thenshefeltanarmaroundherwaistandherhusband’swhisperinherear。

Ihaven’tletyouwandertoofar，haveI，Phil？"

Sheturnedquicklytowardshim，eagerforthecomfortofhisextendedarms。Herfacewasburiedinhisshoulder。

"Youknow，"shemurmured。