"Iamhereatyourmercy。IpromiseyouthatundernocircumstanceswillIattemptanymeasureofviolence。Fromanyfearofthat，I
trustmynameandmyfriendshipwithyourbrotherwillbesufficientguarantee。"
"Continue，then，"Philippaassented。
"Youwillgivemetenminutesinwhichtostatemycase，"hebegged。
"Wemust！"Helenexclaimed。"Wemust，Philippa！Please！"
"Youshallhaveyourtenminutes，"Philippaconceded。
Heabandonedhisattitudeofwatchfulnessandmovedbackontothehearth-rug，hishandsbehindhim。HeaddressedhimselftoPhilippa。
ItwasPhilippawhohadbecomehisjudge。
"Iwillclaimnothingfromyou，"hebegan，"fortheserviceswhichIhaverenderedtoRichard。Ourfriendshipwasarealthing，and，findinghiminsuchstraits，Iwouldgladly，underanycircumstances，havedoneallthatIhavedone。Iamwellpaidforthisbythethankswhichyouhavealreadyprofferedme。"
"Nothanks-nothingthatwecoulddoforyouwouldbesufficientrecompense，"Helendeclaredenergetically。
"Letmespeakforamomentofthefuture，"hecontinued。"Supposingyouringthattelephoneandhandmeovertotheauthoritieshere？
Well，thatwillbetheendofme，withoutadoubt。Youwillhavedonewhatseemedtoyoutohetherightthing，andIhopethatthatconsciousnesswillsustainyou，for，believeme，thoughitmaynotbeatmywill，yourbrother’slifewillmostcertainlyanswerformine。"
Therewasaslightpause。AsobbrokefromHelen’sthroat。EvenPhilippa’slipquivered。
"Forgiveme，"hewenton，"ifthatsoundslikeathreat。Itwasnotsomeant。Itisthesimpletruth。Letmehurryontothefuture。
Iasksolittleofyou。Itismydutytoliveinthisspotforonemonth。WhatharmcanIdo？Youhavenogreatconcentrationofsoldiershere，nodocks，nofortifications，noindustry。Andinreturnfortheslightserviceofallowingmetoremainhereunmolested，IpledgemywordthatRichardshallbesetatlibertyandshallbeherewithyouwithintwomonths。"
Helen’sfacewastransformed，hereyesglowed，herlipswerepartedwitheagerness。SheturnedtowardsPhilippa，herexpression，herwholeattitudeanepitomeofeloquentpleading。
"Philippa，youwillnothesitate？Youcannot？"
"Imust，"Philippaanswered，strugglingwithheragitation。"IloveDickmoredearlythananythingelseonearth，butjustnow，Helen，wehavetoremember，beforeeverything，thatweareEnglishwomen。
Wehavetoputourhumanfeelingsbehindus。Wearelearningeverydaytomakesacrifices。You，too，mustlearn，dear。Myanswertoyou，BaronMaderstrom-orMr。Lessingham，asyouchoosetocallyourself-isno。"
"Philippa，youaremad！"Helenexclaimedpassionately。"Didn’tI
havetorealiseallthatyousaywhenIletDickgo，cheerfully，thedayafterwewereengaged？Haven’tIrealisedthedutyofcheerfulnessandsacrificethroughallthesewearymonths？Butthereisalimittothesethings，Philippa，asenseofproportionwhichmustbetakenintoaccount。It’sDick’slifewhichisinthebalanceagainstsomeintangiblething，nothingthatwecouldeverreproachourselveswith，nothingthatcouldbringrealharmuponanyone。Oh，Ilovemycountry，too，butIwantDick！I
shouldfeellikehismurderessallmylife，ifIdidn’tconsent！"
"Itoccurstome，"Lessinghamremarked，turningtowardsPhilippa，"thatMissFairelough’spointofviewisonetobeconsidered。"
"Doesn’tallthatMissFaircloughhassaidapplytome？"Philippademanded，withalittlebreakinhervoice。"Richardismytwinbrother，heisthedearestthinginlifetome。Can’tyourealise，though，thatwhatyouaskofusistreason？
"Itreallydoesn’tamounttothat，"Lessinghamassuredher。"InmyownheartIfeelconvincedthatIhavecomehereonafool’serrand。
NoobjectthatIcouldpossiblyattaininthisneighbourhoodisworththelifeofamanlikeRichardFelstead。"
"Oh，he’sright！"Helenexclaimed。"Think，Philippa！Whatisthereherewhichthewholeworldmightnotknow？TherearenosecretsinDreymarsh。Wearemilesawayfromeverywhere。Formysake，Philippa，Iimploreyounottobeunreasonable。"
"Inplainwords，"Lessinghamintervened，"donotbequixotic，LadyCranston。Thereisjustanideaononeside，yourbrother’slifeontheother。Yousee，thescalesdonotbalance。"
"Can’tyourealise，though，"Philippaanswered，"whatthatideameans？Itispartofone’ssoulthatonegiveswhenonedepartsfromaprinciple。"
"Whatareprinciplesagainstlove？"Helendemanded，almostfiercely。
"Asistermayprateaboutthem，Philippa。Awifecouldn’t。I’dsacrificeeveryprincipleIeverhad，everyscrapofself-respect，myselfandallthatbelongstome，tosaveDick’slife！"
Therewasabrief，throbbingsilence。HelenwasfeverishlyclutchingPhilippa’shand。Lessingham’seyeswerefixeduponthetorturedfaceintowhichhegazed。Therewerenowomenlikethisinhisowncountry。
"Dearlady，"hesaid，andforthefirsttimehisownvoiceshook，"Iabandonmyarguments。Ibegyoutoactasyouthinkbestforyourownfuturehappiness。Thechancesoflifeordeatharenotgreatthingsforeithermenlikeyourbrotherorforme。Iwouldnotpurchasemyend，norhehislife，attheexpenseofyoursuffering。Yousee，Istandononeside。Thetelephoneisthereforyouruse。"
"Youshan’tuseit！"Helencriedpassionately。"Phillipa，youshan’t！"
Philippaturnedtowardsher，andallthestubbornpridehadgoneoutofherface。Hergreateyesweremistywithtears，hermouthwastwitchingwithemotion。ShethrewherarmsaroundHelen’sneck。
"Mydear，Ican’t！Ican’t！"shesobbed。
CHAPTERV
Philippa’sbreakdownwasonlymomentary。Withafewbrusquewordsshebroughttheothertwodowntothelevelofhernewlyrecoveredequanimity。
"Tobepractical，"shebegan，"wehavenotimetolose。IwillgoandgetasuitofDick’sclothes，and，Helen，youhadbettertakeMr。Lessinghamintothegunroom。Afterwards，perhapsyouwillhavetimetoringupthehotel。"
Lessinghamtookaquicksteptowardsher，-almostasthoughhewereabouttomakesomeimpetuouswithdrawal。Philippaturnedandmethisalmostpleadinggaze。Perhapsshereadtherehisinstinctofself-abnegation。
"Iamincommandofthesituation，"shecontinued，alittlemorelightly。"Everyonemustpleaseobeyme。Ishan’tbemorethanfiveminutes。"
Shelefttheroom，wavingbackLessingham’sattempttoopenthedoorforher。Hestoodforamomentlookingattheplacewhereshehadvanished。Thenheturnedround。
"MajorFelstead’sdescription，"hesaidquietly，"didnotdohissisterjustice。"
"Philippaisadear，"Helendeclaredenthusiastically。"Justforamoment，though，Iwasterrified。Shehasawonderfulwill。"
"Howlonghasshebeenmarried？"
"Aboutsixyears。"
"Arethere-anychildren？"
Helenshookherhead。
"SirHenryhadadaughterbyhisfirstwife，wholiveswithus。"
"Sixyears！"Lessinghamrepeated。"Why，sheseemsnomorethanachild。SirHenrymustbeagreatdealhersenior。"
"Sixteenyears，"Helentoldhim。"Philippaistwenty-nine。Andnow，don’tbeinquisitiveanymore，please，andcomewithme。Iwanttoshowyouwheretochangeyourclothes。"
Sheopenedadoorontheothersideoftheroom，andpointedtoasmallapartmentacrossthepassage。
"Ifyou’llwaitinthere，"shebegged，"I’llbringtheclothestoyoudirectlytheycome。Iamgoingtotelephonenow。"
"Somanythanks，"heanswered。"Ishouldlikeapleasantbedroomandsittingroom，andabathroomifpossible。Myluggageyouwillfindalreadythere。AfriendinLondonhasseentothat。"
Shelookedathimcuriously。
"Youareverythorough，aren’tyou？sheremarked。
Thepeopleofthecountrywhomitismydestinytoserveallare，"
hereplied。"Oneweaklink，youknow，maysometimesspoilthemightiestchain。"
Sheclosedthedoorandtookupthetelephone。
"Numberthree，please，"shebegan。"Areyouthehotel？Themanager？
Good！IamspeakingforLadyCranston。Shewishesasitting-room，bedroomandbath-roomreservedforafriendofourswhoisarrivingto-day-aMr。HamarLessingham。Youhavehisluggagealready，I
believe。Pleasedothebestyoucanforhim-Certainly-Thankyouverymuch。"
Shesetdownthereceiver。Thedoorwasquicklyopenedandshut。
Philippareappeared，carryinganarmfulofclothes。
"Why，you’vebroughthisgreysuit，"Helencriedindismay，"theonehelookssowellin！"
"Don’tbeanidiot，"Philippascoffed。"IhadtobringthefirstIcouldfind。TakethemintoMr。Lessingham，andforheaven’ssakeseethathehurries！Henry’strainisdue，andhemaybehereatanymoment。"
"I’lltellhim，"Helenpromised。"I’llsmugglehimoutofthebackway，ifyoulike。"
Philippalaughedalittledrearily。
"Anicestartthatwouldbe，ifanyoneevertracedhisarrival！"
sheobserved。"No，wemusttryandgethimawaybeforeHenrycomes，but，iftheworstcomestotheworst，we’llhavehiminandintroducehim。Henryisn’tlikelytonoticeanything，"sheadded，alittlebitterly。
Helendisappearedwiththeclothesandreturnedalmostimmediately，Philippawassittinginheroldpositionbythefire。
"You’renotworryingaboutthis，dear，areyou？"theformeraskedanxiously。
"Idon’tknow，"Philippareplied，withoutturningherhead。"Idon’tknowwhatmaycomeofit，Helen。Ihaveaqueersortoffeelingaboutthatman。"
Helensighed。"Isuppose，"sheconfessed，"Iamthenarrowestpersononearth。Icanthinkofonething，andonethingonly。
IfMr。Lessinghamkeepshisword，Dickwillbehereperhapsinamonth，perhapssixweeks-certainlysoon！"
"Hewillkeephisword，"Philippasaidquietly。"Heisthatsortofman。"
Thedoorontheothersideoftheroomwassoftlyopened。
Lessingham’sheadappeared。
"CouldIhaveanecktie？"heaskeddiffidently。Philippastretchedoutherhandandtookonefromthebasketbyherside。
"Bettergivehimthis，"shesaid，handingitovertoHelen。"ItisoneofHenry’swhichIwasmending-Stop！"
Sheputupherfinger。Theyalllistened。
"Thecar！"Philippaexclaimed，risinghastilytoherfeet。"ThatisHenry！GooutwithMr。Lessingham，Helen，"shecontinued，"andwaituntilheisready。Don’tforgetthatheisanordinarycaller，andbringhiminpresently。"
Helennoddedunderstandinglyandhurriedout。
Philippamovedafewstepstowardstheotherdoor。Inamomentitwasthrownopen。Noraappeared，withherarmthroughherfather’s。
"Iwenttomeethim，Mummy，"sheexplained。"Nouniform-isn’titashame！"
SirHenrypattedhercheekandturnedtogreethiswife。Therewasashadowuponhisbronzed，handsomefaceashewatchedherratherhesitatingapproach。
"SorryIcouldn’tcatchyourtrain，Phil，"hetoldher。"IhadtomakeacallinthecitysoIcamedownfromLiverpoolStreet。Anyluck？"
Sheheldhishands，resistingforthemomenthisprofferedembrace。
"Henry，"shesaidearnestly，"doyouknowIamsomuchmoreanxioustohearyournews。"
"Minewillkeep，"hereplied。"WhataboutRichard？"
Sheshookherhead。
"Ispentthewholeofmytimemakingenquiries，"shesighed，"andeveryonewasfruitless。IfailedtogettheleastsatisfactionfromanyoneattheWarOffice。Theyknownothing，haveheardnothing。"
"I’meversosorrytohearit，"SirHenrydeclaredsympathetically。
"Youmustn’tworrytoomuch，though，dear。Where’sHelen？"
"Sheisinthegunroomwithacaller。"
"Withacaller？"Noraexclaimed。"IsitanyonefromtheDepot？
Imustgoandsee。"
"Youneedn’ttrouble，"herstepmotherreplied。"Heretheyare，comingin。"
Thedoorontheoppositesideoftheroomwassuddenlyopened，andHamarLessinghamandHelenenteredtogether。Lessinghamwasentirelyathisease，-theirconversation，indeed，seemedalmostengrossing。HecameatonceacrosstheroomonrealisingSirHenry’spresence。
"ThisisMr。HamarLessingham-myhusband，"Philippasaid。"Mr。
LessinghamwasatcollegewithDick，Henry，soofcourseHelenandhehavebeenindulginginallsortsofreminiscences。"
Thetwomenshookhands。
"IfoundtimealsotoexamineyourLeechprints，"Lessinghamremarked。
"Youhavesomeveryadmirableexamples。"
"Quiteahobbyofmineinmyyoungerdays，"SirHenryadmitted。
"Oneortwoofthemareverygood，Ibelieve。Areyoustayinginthesepartslong，Mr。Lessingham？"
"Perhapsforaweekortwo，"wasthesomewhatindifferentreply。
"Iamtoldthatthisisthemostwonderfulairintheworld，soI
havecomedownheretopullupagainafteraslightillness。"
"Adrearyspotjustnow，"SirHenryobserved，"buttheair’sallright。Areyouasea-fisherman，byanychance，Mr。Lessingham？"
"Ihavedonealittleofit，"thevisitorconfessed。SirHenry’sfacelitup。Hedrewfromhispocketasmall，brownpaperparcel。
"Idon’tmindtellingyou，"heconfidedashecutthestring，"thatIdon’tthinkthere’sanothersportlikeitintheworld。Ihavetriedmostofthem，too。WhenIwasaboyIwasallforshooting，perhapsbecauseIcouldnevergetenough。ThenIhadaseasonortwoatMelton，thoughIwasnevermuchofahorseman。Butforreal，unadulteratedexcitement，forsportthatlickseverythingelseintoacockedhat，givemeastrongsearod，acoupleoftraces，justenoughseatokeeponthebottomallthetime，andthecodlingbiting。Lookhere，didyoueverseeamackerelspinnerlikethat？"
headded，drawingoneoutoftheparcelwhichhehaduntied。"Lookatit，allofyou。"
Lessinghamtookitgingerlyinhisfingers。Philippa，alittleostentatiously，turnedherbackuponthetwomenandtookupanewspaper。
"LadyCranstondoesnotsympathizewithmyinterestinanysortofsportjustnow，"SirHenryexplainedgood-humouredly。"AllthesameIarguethatonemustkeepone’smindoccupiedsomehoworother。"
"Quiteright，Dad！"Noraagreed。"Wemustcarryon，astheColonelsays。Allthesame，Ididhopeyou’dcomedowninanewnavaluniform，withlotsofgoldbraidonyoursleeve。Ithinktheymighthavemadeyouanadmiral，Daddy，you’dlooksoniceonthebridge。"
"Iamafraid，"herfatherreplied，withhiseyesglueduponthespinnerwhichLessinghamwasholding，"thatthatisaconsiderationwhichdidn’tseemtoweighwiththemmuch。Lookattheglitterofit，"hewenton，takingupanotherofthespinners。"Yousee，it’sgotadoubleswivel，andtheyguaranteesixhundredrevolutionsaminute。"
"Imustpleadignorance，"Lessinghamregretted，"ofeverythingconnectedwithmackerelspinning。"
"It’sfinesportforachange，"SirHenrydeclared。"Theonlythingisthatifyoustrikeashoalonegetstiredofhaulingthebeggarsin。By-the-by，hasJimmybeenupforme，Philippa？Haveyouheardwhetherthereareanymackerelin？"
Philipparaisedhereyebrows。
"Mackerel！"sherepeatedsarcastically。
"Haveyouanyobjectiontothefish，dear？"SirHenryenquiredblandly。
Philippamadenoreply。HerhusbandfrownedandturnedtowardsLessingham。
"Yousee，"hecomplainedalittleirritably，"mywifedoesn’tapproveofmytakinganinteresteveninfishingwhilethewar’son，but，hangitall，whatareyoutodowhenyoureachmyage？ThinksI
oughttobeaspecialconstable，don’tyou，Philippa？"
"NeedwediscussthisbeforeMr。Lessingham？"sheasked，withoutlookingupfromherpaper。
Lessinghampromptlypreparedtotakehisdeparture。
"Seesomethingmoreofyou，Ihope，"SirHenryremarkedhospitably，asheconductedhisguesttothedoor。"Whereareyoustayinghere？"
"Atthehotel。"
"Which？"=20
"Ididnotunderstandthattherewasmorethanone，"Lessinghamreplied。"IsimplywrotetoTheHotel，Dreymarsh。"
"Thereisonlyonehotelopen，ofcourse，Mr。Lessingham，"Philippaobserved，turningtowardshim。"Whydoyouasksuchanabsurdquestion，Henry？The’Grand’isfullofsoldiers。Comeandseeuswheneveryoufeelinclined，Mr。Lessingham。"
"Ishallcertainlytakeadvantageofyourpermission，LadyCranston，"
werethefarewellwordsofthisunusualvisitorashebowedhimselfout。
SirHenrymovedtothesideboardandhelpedhimselftoawhiskyandsoda。Philippalaiddownhernewspaperandwatchedhimasthoughwaitingpatientlyforhisreturn。HelenandNorahadalreadyobeyedthesummonsofthedressingbell。
"Henry，Iwanttohearyournews，"sheinsisted。Hethrewhimselfintoaneasy-chairandturnedoverthecontentsofPhilippa’sworkbasket。
"Where’sthattieofmineyouweremending？"heasked。"Isitfinishedyet？"
"Itisupstairssomewhere，"shereplied。"No，Ihavenotfinishedit。Whydoyouask？Youhaveplenty，haven’tyou？"
"Drawersfull，"headmittedcheerfully。"HalfofthemIcanneverwear，though。Ilikethatblackandwhitefellow。YourfriendLessinghamwaswearingoneexactlylikeit。"
"Itisn’texactlyanuncommonpattern，"Philipparemindedhim。
"Seemstohavethefamilytasteinclothes，"SirHenrycontinued，strokinghischin。"ThatgreytweedsuitofhiswasexactlythesamepatternasthesuitRichardwaswearing，thelasttimeIsawhiminmufti。"
"Theyprobablygotothesametailor，"Philipparemarkedequably。
SirHenryabandonedthesubject。Hewasoncemoreengrossedinanexaminationofthemackerelspinners。
"Youdidn’tanswermyquestionaboutJimmyDumble，"heventuredpresently。
Philippaturnedandlookedathim。Hereyeswereusuallyverysweetandsoftandhermouthdelightful。Justatthatmoment，however，therewerenewandveryfirmlinesinherface。
"Henry，"shesaidsternly，"youarepurposelyfencingwithme。
Mr。Lessingham’stasteinclothes，orJimmyDumble’scomingsandgoings，arenotwhatIwanttohearortalkabout。YouwenttoLondon，unwillinglyenough，tokeepyourpromisetome。IwanttoknowwhetheryouhavesucceededingettinganythingfromtheAdmiralty？"
"Nothingbutthecoldshoulder，mydear，"heansweredwithalittlechuckle。
"Doyoumeantosaythattheyofferedyounothingatall？"shepersisted。"Youmayhavebeenoutoftheservicetoolongforthemtostartyouwithamodernship，butsurelytheycouldhavegivenyouanauxiliarycruiser，orasecondarycommandofsomesort？"
"Theydidn’tevenoffermeawashtub，dear，"heconfessed。"Myname’sonalist，theysaid-"
"Oh，thatlist！"Philippainterruptedangrily。"Henry，Ireallycan’tbearit。Couldn’ttheyfindyouanythingonland？"
"Mydeargirl，"herepliedalittletestily，"whatsortofafigureshouldIcutinanoffice！Noonecanreadmywriting，andI
couldn’taddupacolumnoffigurestosavemylife。Whatisit？"
headded，asthedooropened，andMillsmadehisappearance。
"Dumbleisheretoseeyou，sir。
"Showhiminatonce，"hismasterdirectedwithalacrity。"Comein，Jimmy，"hewenton，raisinghisvoice。"I’vegotsomethingtoshowyouhere。"
Philippa’slipsweredrawnalittleclosertogether。Shesweptpastherhusbandonherwaytothedoor。
"Ihopeyouwillbesogood，"shesaid，lookingback，"astosparemehalfanhourofyourvaluabletimethisevening。ThisisasubjectwhichImustdiscusswithyoufurtheratonce。"
"Asurgentasallthat，eh？"SirHenryreplied，stoppingtolightacigarette。"Righto！Youcanhavethewholeofmyevening，dear，withthegreatestofpleasure-Nowthen，Jimmy！"
CHAPTERVI
JimmyDumblepossessedaveryredfaceandanextraordinarycapacityforsilence。Hestoodayardortwoinsidetheroom，twirlinghishatinhishand。SirHenry，aftertheclosingofthedoor，didnotforamomentaddresshisvisitor。Therewasasubtlebutunmistakablechangeinhisappearanceashestoodwithhishandsinhispockets，andafrownonhisforehead，whistlingsoftlytohimself，hiseyesfixeduponthedoorthroughwhichhiswifehadvanished。Heswungroundatlasttowardsthetelephone。
"Standbyforamoment，Jimmy，willyou？"hedirected。
"Aye，aye，sir！"
SirHenrytookupthereceiver。Hedroppedhisvoicealittle，althoughitwasnonethelessdistinct。
"Numberone-police-station，please-Hullothere！Theinspectorabout？-Thatyou，Inspector？-SirHenryCranstonspeaking。Couldyoujuststepround？-Good！Tellthemtoshowyoustraightintothelibrary。YoumightjustdropahinttoMillsaboutthelights，eh？Thankvon。"
Helaiddownthereceiverandturnedtowardsthefisherman。
"Well，Jimmy，"heenquired，"allserenedowninthevillage，eh？"
"SofarasI’veseenorheard，sir，thereain’tbeenawordspokeasshouldn’tbe。"
"Alazylottheyare，"SirHenryobserved。
"Theydon’tlookfarbeyondtheendoftheirnoses。"
"Maybeit’saswellforus，sir，astheydon’t，"wasthecautiousreply。
SirHenrystrolledtothefurtherendoftheroom。
"Perhapsyouareright，Jimmy，"headmitted。
"ThatfellowBenOatesseemstobetheonlyonewithideas。"
"Hedon’tkeepsoberlongenoughtogiveusanytrouble，"Dumbledeclared。"Hebeganaskingmequestionsafewdaysago，andIknowheputGrice’sladontofindoutwhichwaywewentlastSaturdayweek，butthatdon’tamounttoanything。Hewasdeaddrunkforthreedaysafterwards。"
SirHenrynodded。
"I’mnotveryfrightenedofBenOates，Jimmy，"heconfided，ashethrewopenthedoorofalargecabinetwhichstoodagainstthefurtherwall。"Nostrangersabout，eh？"
"Notasignofone，sir。"
SirHenryglancedtowardsthedoorandlistened。
"ShallIjustgivethekeyaturn，sir？"hisvisitorasked。
"Idon’tthinkitisnecessary，"SirHenryreplied。"They’veallgoneuptochange。Nowlistentome，Jimmy。"
Heleanedforwardandtouchedaspring。Thefalsebackofthecabinet，withitslittlearrayofflies，spinners，fishinghooksandtackle，slowlyrolledback。Beforethemstoodahugechart，wonderfullyexecutedinred，whiteandyellow。
"That’samarvellouspieceofwork，sir，"thefishermanobservedadmiringly。
"BestthingIeverdidinmylife，"SirHenryagreed。"Nowseehere，Jimmy。We’llsailouttomorrow，ortakethemotorboat，accordingtothewind。We’llenterLangleyShallowsthereandpassDeadMan’sRockontheleftsideofthewaterway，andkeepstraightonuntilwegetBuddenWoodonthechurchtower。Youfollowme？"
"Aye，aye，sir！"
"Wemakefortheheadlandfromthere。Yousee，weshallbeoutsidetheGidneyShallows，andnumbertwelvewillpickusup。Putallthefishingtackleintheboat，anddon’tforgetthebait。Wemustneverlosesightofthefact，Jimmy，thatthemainobjectofourlivesistocatchfish。"
"That’sright，sir，"wastheheartyassent。
"We’llbeoffatseveno’clocksharp，then，"SirHenrydecided。
"Thetide’llbeontheflowbythattime，"Jimmyobserved，"andwe’llgetofffromthestaithbreakwater。Thatdobeafinepieceofworkandnomistake，"headded，asthefalsebackofthecabinetglidedslowlytoitsplace。
SirHenrychuckled。
"It’snothingtotheoneI’vegotonnumbertwelve，Jimmy，"hesaid。
"I’vegottheseaweedonthat，prettywell。You’lltakeadropofwhiskyonyourwayout？"headded。"Millswilllookafteryou。"
"Ithankyoukindly，sir。"
Millsansweredthebellwithsomeconcerninhisface。
"Theinspectorisheretoseeyou，sir，"heannounced。"Hedidmentionsomethingaboutthelights。I’msurewe’veallbeenmostcareful。Evenherladyshiphasonlyusedacandleinherbedroom。"
"Showtheinspectorin，"SirHenrydirected，"andI’llhearwhathehastosay。AndgiveDumblesomewhiskyashegoesout，andacigar。"
"Wishingyougoodnight，sir，"thelattersaid，ashefollowedMills。"I’llbepunctualinthemorning。Lookstomeasthoughwemighthavegoodsport。"
"We’llhopeforit，anyway，Jimmy，"hisemployerrepliedcheerfully。
"Comein，Inspector。"
Theinspector，atall，broad-shoulderedman，salutedandstoodatattention。SirHenrynoddedaffablyandglancedtowardsthedoor。
HeremainedsilentuntilMillsandDumblehaddisappeared。
"GladIhappenedtocatchyou，Inspector，"heobserved，sittingontheedgeofthetableandhelpinghimselftoanothercigarette。
"Anyfresharrivals？"
"None，sir，"themanreported，"ofanyconsequencethatIcansee。
TherearetwomoreyoungofficersfortheDepot，andtheyoungladyfortheGrange，andMr。andMrs。Silvesterreturnedhomelastnight。
Therewasacommercialtravellercameinthefirsttrainthismorning，buthewentonduringtheafternoon。"
"Hm！WhataboutaMr。Lessingham-aMr。HamarLessingham？"
"Ihaven’theardofhim，sir。"
"Haveyouhadtheregistrationpapersdownfromthehotelyet？"
"Notthisevening，sir。ImettheMidlandandGreatNortherntraininmyself。Herladyshipwastheonlypassengertoalighthere。"
"AndIcametheotherwaymyself，"SirHenryreflected。
"Nowyoucometomentionthematter，sir，"theinspectorcontinued，"Iwasupatthehotelthisafternoon，andIsawsomeluggageaboutaddressedtoanamesomewhatsimilartothat。"
"Probablysentoninadvance，eh？"
"Therecouldbenootherway，sir，"theinspectorreplied，"unlesstheregistrationpaperhasbeenmislaid。I’llstepuptothehotelthiseveningandmakesure。"
"You’llobligemeverymuch，ifyouwill。ByJove，"SirHenryadded，lookingtowardsthedoor，"I’dnoideaitwassolate！"
Philippa，whohadchangedhertravellingdressforaplainblacknetgown，wasstandinginthedoorway。Shelookedattheinspector，andforamomentthelittlecolourwhichshehadseemedtodisappear。
"Isanythingthematter？"sheaskedbreathlessly。
"Nothingintheworld，mydear，"herhusbandassuredher。"IamfrightfullysorryI’msolate。Jimmystayedsometime，andthentheinspectorherelookedinaboutourlights。Justalittlemorecareinthisroomatnight，hethinks。We’llseetoit，Inspector。"
"Iamverymuchobliged，sir，"themanreplied。"Sorrytobeunderthenecessityofmentioningit。"
SirHenryopenedthedoor。
"You’llfindyourownwayout，won’tyou？"hebegged。"I’malittlelate。"
Theinspectorsalutedandwithdrew。SirHenryglancedround。
"Iwon’tbetenminutes，Philippa，"hepromised。"Ihadnoideaitwassolate。"
"Comehereonemoment，please，"sheinsisted。
Hecamebackintotheroomandstoodontheothersideofthesmalltablenearwhichshehadpaused。
"Whatisit，dear？"heenquired。"Wearegoingtoleaveourtalktillafterdinner，aren’twe？"
Shelookedhimintheface。Therewasananxiouslightinhereyes，andshewascertainlynotherself。"Ofcourse！Ionlywantedtoknow-itseemedtomethatyoubrokeoffinwhatyouweresayingtotheinspector，asIcameintotheroom。Areyousurethatitwasthelightshecamearoundabout？Thereisn’tanythingelsewrong，isthere？"
"Whatelsecouldtherebe？"heaskedwonderingly。
"Ihavenoidea，"shereplied，withwell-simulatedindifference。
"Iwasonlyaskingyouwhethertherewasanythingelse？"
Heshookhishead。
"Nothing！
Shethrewherselfintoaneasy-chairandpickedupamagazine。
"Thankyou，"shesaid。"Dohurry，please。Ihaveanewcookandsheaskedparticularlywhetherwewerepunctualpeople。"
"Sixminuteswillseemethroughit，"SirHenrypromised，makingforthedoor。"Cometothinkofit，Imissedmylunch。IthinkI’llmanageitinfive。"
CHAPTERVII
SirHenrywasinapleasantandexpansivehumourthatevening。Thenewcookwasanunqualifiedsuccess，andhewasconsciousofhavingdinedexceedinglywell。Hesatinacomfortableeasy-chairbeforeablazingwoodfire，hehadjustlitoneofhisfavouritebrandofcigarettes，andhiswife，whomheadored，wasseatedonlyafewfeetaway。
"QuitearemarkablechangeinHelen，"heobserved。"ShewasinthedepthsofdepressionwhenIwentaway，andto-nightsheseemspositivelycheerful。"
"Helenvariesagreatdeal，"Philipparemindedturn。
"Still，to-night，Imustsay，Ishouldhaveexpectedtohavefoundhermoredepressedthanever，"SirHenrywenton。"ShehopedsomuchfromyourtoLondon，andyouapparentlyaccomplishednothing。"
"Nothingatall。"
"Andyouhavehadnoletters？"
"None。"
"ThenHelen’shighspirits，Isuppose，areonlypartofwoman’snaturalinconsistency-Philippa，dear！"
"Yes？"
"Iamgladtobeathome。Iamgladtoseeyousittingthere。I
knowyouarenursingupsomething，somelittlethunderbolttolaunchatme。Won’tyoulaunchitandlet’sgetitover？"
Philippalaiddownthehookwhichshehadbeenreading，andturnedtofaceherhusband。Hemadealittlegrimace。
"Don’tlooksosevere，"hebegged。"Youfrightenmebeforeyoubegin。"
"I’msorry，"shesaid，"butmyfaceprobablyreflectsmyfeelings。
Iamhurtandgrievedanddisappointedinyou，Henry。"
"That’sagoodstart，anyway，"hegroaned。
"Wehavebeenmarriedsixyears，"Philippawenton，"andIadmitatoncethatIhavebeenveryhappy。Thenthewarcame。Youknowquitewell，Henry，thatespeciallyatthattimeIwasvery，veryfondofyou，yetitneveroccurredtomeforamomentbutthat，likeeveryotherwoman，Ishouldhavetolosemyhusbandforatime-
Stop，please，"sheinsisted，asheshowedsignsofinterrupting。
"Iknowquitewellthatitwasthroughmypersuasionsyouretiredsoearly，butinthosedaystherewasnothoughtofwar，andI
alwayshaditinmymindthatiftroublecameyouwouldfindyourwaybacktowhereyoubelonged。"
"But，mydearchild，thatisallverywell，"SirHenryprotested，"butit’snotsoeasytogetbackagain。YouknowverywellthatIwentuptotheAdmiraltyandofferedmyservices，directlythewarstarted。"
"Yes，andwhathappened？"Philippademanded。"Youwere，inameasure，shelved。Youwereputonalistandtoldthatyouwouldhearfromthem-asortofMicawber-likesituationwithwhichyouwereperfectlysatisfied。ThenyoutookthatmoorupinScotlandanddisappearedfornearlysixmonths。"
"Iwassupplyingthestarvingpopulationwithfood，"heremindedhergenially。"Wesentaboutfourhundredbraceofgrousetomarket，nottospeakofthesalmon。Wehadsomeveryfairgolf，too，someofthetime。"
"Oh，Ihavenottroubledtokeepanyexactaccountofyourdiversions！"Philippasaidscornfully。"Sometimes，"shecontinued，"Iwonderwhetheryouarequiteresponsible，Henry。Howyoucaneventalkofthesethingswheneverymanofyourageandstrengthisfightingonewayoranotherforhiscountry，seemsmarvelloustome。Doyourealisethatwearefightingforourveryexistence？
Doyourealisethatmyownfather，whoisfifteenyearsolderthanyou，isinthefiringline？Thisisasmallplace，ofcourse，butthereisn’tamanleftinitofyourage，withyourphysique，whohashadtheslightestexperienceineitherservice，whoisn’tdoingsomething。"
"Ican’tdomorethansendinapplications，"hegrumbled。"Bereasonable，mydearPhilippa。Itisn’ttheeasiestthingintheworldtofindajobforasailorwhohasbeenoutofitaslongasIhave。"
"Soyousay，butwhentheyaskmewhatyouaredoing，astheyalldidinLondonthistime，andIreplythatyoucan’tgetajob，thereisgenerallyapolitelittlesilence。Noonebelievesit。Idon’tbelieveit。"
"Philippa！"
SirHenryturnedinhischair。Hiscigarwasburningnowidlybetweenhisfingers。Hisheavyeyebrowsweredrawntogether。
"Well，Idon’t，"shereiterated。"Youcanbeangry，ifyouwill-infactIthinkIshouldpreferyoutobeangry。YoutakenopainsattheAdmiralty。Youjustgothereandcomeawayagain，onceayearorsomethinglikethat。Why，ifIwereyou，I
wouldn’tleavetheplaceuntilthey’dfoundmesomething-indoorsoroutdoors，whatdoesitmattersolongasyourhandisonthewheelandyouaredoingyourlittleforyourcountry？Butyou-whatdoyoucare？Youwenttotowntogetajob-andyoucomebackwithnewmackerelspinners！Youareofffishingto-morrowmorningwithJimmyDumble。SomewhereupintheNorthSea，to-dayandto-morrowandthenextday，menaregivingtheirlivesfortheircountry。Whatdoyoucare？Youwillsittheresmokingyourpipeandcatchingdabs！"
"Doyouknowyouarealmostoffensive，Philippa？"herhusbandsaidquietly。
"Iwanttobe，"sheretorted。"IshouldlikeyoutofeelthatIam。
Inanycase，thiswillprobablybethelastconversationIshallholdwithyouonthesubject。"
"Well，thankGodforthat，anyway！"heobserved，strollingtothechimneypieceandselectingapipefromarack。"Ithinkyou’vesaidaboutenough。"
"Ihaven’tfinished，"shetoldhimominously。
"Thenforheaven’ssakegetonwithitandlet’shaveitover，"hebegged。
"Oh，you’reimpossible！"Philippaexclaimedbitterly。"Listen。
Igiveyouonechancemore。Tellmethetruth？IsthereanythinginyourhealthofwhichIdonotknow？Isthereanypossibleexplanationofyourextraordinarybehaviourwhich，forsomereasonorother，youhavekepttoyourself？Givemeyourwholeconfidence。"
SirHenry，foramoment，wasseriousenough。Hestoodlookingdownatheralittlewistfully。
"Mydear，"hetoldher，"Ihavenothingtosayexceptthis。Youaremyverypreciouswife。Ihavelovedyouandtrustedyousincethedayofourmarriage。Iamcontenttogoonlovingandtrustingyou，eventhoughthingsshouldcomeundermynoticewhichIdonotunderstand。Can’tyouacceptmethesameway？"
Philippa，rnomentarilyuneasy，wasneverthelessrebellious。
"Acceptyouthesameway？HowcanI！Thereisnothinginmylifetocompareinanywaywiththetragedyofyour-"
Shepaused，asthoughunwillingtofinishthesentence。Hewaitedpatiently，however，forhertoproceed。
"Ofmywhat？"
Philippacompromised。
"Lethargy，"shepronouncedtriumphantly。
"Anexcellentword，"hemurmured。
"Itistoomildaone，butyouaremyhusband，"sheremarked。
"Thatremindsme，"hesaidquietly。"Youaremywife。"
"Iknowit，"sheadmitted，"butIamalsoawoman，andtherearelimitstomyendurance。Ifyoucangivemenoexplanationofyourbehaviour，Henry，ifyoureallyhavenointentionofchangingit，thenthereisonlyonecourseleftopenforme。"
"Thatsoundsratheralarming-whatisit？"hedemanded。
Philippaliftedherheadalittle。Thiswasthepronouncementtowardswhichshehadbeenleading。
"Fromto-day，"shedeclared，"Iceasetobeyourwife。"
Hisfingerspausedinthemanipulationofthetobaccowithwhichhewasfillinghispipe。Heturnedandlookedather。
"Youwhat？"
"Iceasetobeyourwife。"
"Howdoyoumanagethat？heasked。
"Don’tjest，"shebegged。"Ithurtsmeso。WhatImeanissurelyplainenough。Iwillcontinuetoliveunderyourroofifyouwishit，orIamperfectlywillingtogobacktoWoodNorton。IwillcontinuetobearyournamebecauseImust，buttheothertiesbetweenusarefinished。"
"Youdon’tmeanthis，Philippa，"hesaidgravely。"ButIdomeanit，"sheinsisted。"ImeaneverywordIhavespoken。SofarasIamconcerned，Henry，thisisyourlastchance。"
Therewasaknockatthedoor。Millsenteredwithanoteuponasalver。SirHenrytookitup，glancedquestioninglyathiswife，andtoreopentheenvelope。
"Therewillbenoanswer，Mills，"hesaid。
Themanwithdrew。SirHenryreadthefewlinesthoughtfully：-
Police-station，DreymarshSIR，AccordingtoenquiriesmadeIfindthatMr。HamarLessinghamarrivedattheHotelthiseveningintimefordinner。Hisluggagearrivedbyrailyesterday。Itispresumedthathecamebymotor-car，butthereisnocarinthegarage，noranymentionofone。HisroomwastakenforhimbyMissFairclough，ringingupforLadyCranstonaboutseveno’clock。
Respectfullyyours，JOHNHAYLOCK。
"Isyournoteofinterest？"Philippaenquired。
"Inasense，yes，"hereplied，thrustingitintohiswaistcoatpocket。"Ipresumewecanconsiderourlatesubjectofconversationfinishedwith？"
"Ihavenothingmoretosay，"shepronounced。
"Verywell，then，"herhusbandagreed，"letusselectanothertopic。
Thistime，supposingIchoose？"
"Youarewelcome。"
"Letusconverse，then，aboutMr。HamarLessingham。"
Philippahadtakenupherwork。Herfingersceasedtheirlabours，butshedidnotlookup。
"AboutMr。HamarLessingham，"sherepeated。"Ratheralimitedsubject，Iamafraid。"
"Iamnotsosure，"hesaidthoughtfully。"Forinstance，whoishe？"
"Ihavenoidea，"shereplied。"Doesitmatter？HewasatcollegewithRichard，andhehasbeenavisitoratWoodNorton。Thatisallthatweknow。Surelyitissufficientforustoofferhimanyreasonablehospitality？"
=20
"Iamnotdisputingit，"SirHenryassuredher。"Onthefaceofit，itseemsperfectlyreasonablethatyoushouldbeciviltohim。Ontheotherhand，thereareoneortworathercuriouspointsabouthiscomingherejustnow。"
"Really？"Philippamurmuredindifferently，bendingalittleloweroverherwork。
"Inthefirstplace，"herhusbandcontinued，"howdidhearrivehere？"
"ForallIknow，"shereplied，"hemayhavewalked。"
"Alittleunlikely。Still，hedidn’tcomefromLondonbyeitheroftheeveningtrains，anditseemsthatyoudidn’ttakehisroomsforhimuntilaboutseveno’clock，beforewhichtimehehadn’tbeentothehotel。So，yousee，oneisdriventowonderhowthemischiefhedidgethere。"
"Itookhisrooms？"Philipparepeated，withasuddenlittlecatchatherheart。
"Someonefromhererangup，didn’tthey？"SirHenrywentoncarelessly。"Igatheredthatwewereintroducinghimatthehotel。"
"Wheredidyouhearthat？"shedemanded。
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