Heshruggedhisshoulders，butavoidedansweringthequestion。
\"Ihavenodoubt，\"hecontinued，\"thatthewholesubjectofMr。
HamarLessinghamisscarcelyworthdiscussing。Yethedoesseemtohavearrivedhereunderalittlehaloofcoincidence。\"
\"IamafraidIhavescarcelyappreciatedthat，\"Philipparemarked；
\"infact，hiscomingherehasseemedtomethemostordinarythingintheworld。Afterall，althoughonescarcelyremembersthatsincethewar，thisisahealthresort，andthemanhasbeenill。\"
\"Quiteright，\"SirHenryagreed。\"Youarenotgoingtobed，dear？\"
Philippahadfoldedupherwork。Shestoodforamomentuponthehearth-rug。Thelittlehardnesswhichhadtightenedhermouthhaddisappeared，hereyeshadsoftened。
\"MayIsayjustonewordmore，\"shebegged，\"aboutourprevious-ouronlyserioussubjectofconversation？Ihavetriedmybestsinceweweremarried，Henry，tomakeyouhappy。\"
\"Youknowquitewell，\"’heassuredher，\"thatyouhavesucceeded。\"
\"Grantmeonefavour，then，\"shepleaded。\"Giveupyourfishingexpeditionto-morrow，gobacktoLondonbythefirsttrainandletmewritetoLordRayton。Iamsurehewoulddosomethingforyou。\"
\"Ofcoursehe’ddosomething！\"Herhusbandgroaned。\"IshouldgetacensorshipinIreland，orapostasinstructoratPortsmouth。\"
\"Wouldn’tyourathertakeeitherofthosethannothing？\"sheasked，\"thangoonlivingthelifeyouarelivingnow？\"
\"Tobeperfectlyfrankwithyou，Philippa，Iwouldn’t，\"hedeclaredbluntly。\"WhatonearthuseshouldIbeinalandappointment？Why，noonecouldreadmywriting，andmynauticalscienceisentirelyoutofdate。WhyacadetatOsbornecouldfloormeinnotime。\"
\"Yourefusetoletmewrite，then？\"shepersisted。
\"Absolutely。\"
\"YouintendtogoonthatfishingexpeditionwithJimmyDumbleto-morrow？\"
\"Wouldn’tmissitforanything，\"heconfessed。
Philippawassuddenlywhitewithanger。
\"Henry，I’vefinished，\"shedeclared，holdingoutherhandtokeephimawayfromher。\"I’vefinishedwithyouentirely。Iwouldratherbemarriedtoanenemywhowasfightinghonourablyforhiscountrythantoyou。WhatIhavesaid，Imean。Don’tcomenearme。
Don’ttrytotouchme。\"
Shesweptpasthimonherwaytothedoor。
\"Notevenagood-nightkiss？\"heasked，stoopingdown。
Shelookedhimintheeyes。
\"Iamnotachild，\"shesaidscornfully。
Heclosedthedoorafterher。Foramomentheremainedasthoughundecidedwhethertofollowornot。Hisfacehadsoftenedwithherabsence。Finally，however，heturnedawaywithalittleshrugoftheshoulders，threwhimselfintohiseasy-chairandbegantosmokefuriously。
Thetelephonebelldisturbedhisreflection。Heroseatonceandtookupthereceiver。
\"Yes，thisis19，Dreymarsh。Trunkcall？Allright，Iamhere。\"
Hewaiteduntilanothervoicecametohimfaintly。
\"Cranston？\"
\"Speaking。\"
\"That’sright。ThemessageisOdinoBerry，youunderstand？
O-d-i-n-ob-e-r-r-y。\"
\"I’vegotit，\"SirHenryreplied。\"Goodnight！\"Hehungupthereceiver，crossedtheroomtohisdesk，unlockedoneofthedrawers，andproducedablackmemorandumbook，securedwithabrasslock。
Hedrewakeyfromhiswatchchain，openedthebook，andranhisfingersdownthe0’s。
\"Odino，\"hemutteredtohimself。\"Hereitis：’WehavetrustworthyinformationfromBerlin。’NowBerry。\"Heturnedback。\"’Youarebeingwatchedbyanenemysecretserviceagent。’\"
Herelockedthecipherbookandreplaceditinthedesk。Thenhestrolledovertohiseasy-chairandhelpedhimselftoawhiskyandsodafromthetraywhichMillshadjustarrangeduponthesideboard。
\"WehavetrustworthyinformationfromBerlin，\"herepeatedtohimself，\"thatyouarebeingwatchedbyanenemysecretserviceagent。\"
CHAPTERVIII
\"Tellme，Mr。Lessingham，\"Philippainsisted，\"exactlywhatareyouthinkingof？YoulookedsodarkandmysteriousfromtheridgebelowthatI’veclimbeduponpurposetoaskyou。\"
Lessinghamheldouthishandtosteadyher。Theywerestandingonasharpspurofthecliffs，thenorthwindblowingintheirfaces，thrashingintolittleflecksofwhitefoamtheseabelow，onwhichthetwilightwasalreadyresting。Foramomentortwoneitherofthemcouldspeak。
\"Iwasthinkingofmycountry，\"heconfessed。\"Iwaslookingthroughtheshadowsthere，rightacrosstheNorthSea。\"
\"ToGermany？\"
Heshookhishead。
\"Furtheraway-toSweden。\"
\"Iforgot，\"shemurmured。\"Youlookedasthoughyouwereposingforastatueofsomeoneinexile，\"sheobserved。\"Come，letusgoalittlelowerdown-unlessyouwanttostayhereandbeblowntopieces。\"
\"Iwasonmywaybacktothehotel，\"heansweredquickly，ashefollowedherlead，\"buttotellyouthetruthIwasfeelingalittlelonely。\"
\"That，\"shedeclared，\"isyourownfault。IaskedyoutocometoMainsailHaulwheneveryoufeltinclined。\"
\"AsIhavefeltinclinedeversincetheeveningIarrived，\"heremarkedwithasmile，\"youmight，perhaps，bythistimehavehadalittletoomuchofme。\"
\"Onthecontrary，\"shetoldhim，\"Iquiteexpectedyouyesterdayafternoon，totellmehowyouliketheplaceandwhatyouhavebeendoing。Soyouwerethinkingabout-overthere？\"sheadded，movingherheadseawards。
\"Overthereabsorbsagreatdealofone’sthoughts，\"heconfessed，\"andtherestofthemhavebeenplayingmequeertricks。\"
\"Well，Ishouldliketohearaboutthefirsthalf，\"sheinsisted。
\"Doyouknow，\"hereplied，\"therearetimeswhenevennowthiswarseemstomelikeanunrealthing，likesomethingIhavebeenreadingabout，somewildimaginingofShelleyoroneoftheunrestrainablepoets。Ican’tbelievethatmillionsoftheflowerofGermany’smanhoodandyourshaveperishedhelplessly，hopelessly，cruelly。
AndFrance-poordecimatedFrance！\"
\"Well，Germanystartedthewar，youknow，\"sheremindedhim。
\"Didshe？\"heanswered。\"Isometimeswonder。EvennowIfancy，iftheofficialpapersofeveryoneofthenationslaysidebyside，withtheirowncasestatedfromtheirownpointofview，evenyoumightfeelalittleconfusedaboutthat。Still，Iamgoingtobeveryhonestwithyou。IthinkmyselfthatGermanywantedwar。\"
\"Thereyouare，then，\"shedeclaredtriumphantly。\"Thewholethingisherresponsibility。\"
\"Idonotquitegosofarasthat，\"heprotested。\"Yousee，theworldisgovernedbygreatnaturallaws。Asasnowballgrowslargerwithrolling，soittakesupmoreroom。Asachildgrowsoutofitsinfantclothes，itneedsthevestmentsofayouthandthenaman。
AndsowithGermany。Shegrewandgrewuntilthecountrycouldnotholdherchildren，untilherbankscouldnotcontainhermoney，untilshestretchedherarmsoutoneverysideandfeltherselfstifled。Germanycamelateintotheworldandfounditparcelledout，buthadshenotarighttoherplace？Shemadeherselfgreat。
Sheneededspace。\"
\"Well，\"Philippaobserved，\"youcouldn’tsupposethatothernationsweregoingtogiveupwhattheyhad，justbecauseshewantedtheirpossessions，couldyou？\"
\"Perhapsnot，\"headmitted。\"Andyet，yousee，theimmutablelawcomesinhere。Thestrongermustpossess-notonlythestrongerbyarms，mind，butbyintellect，bylearning，byproficiencyinscience，byutilitarianism。Thereallycruelpart，thepartIwasthinkingofthen，asIlookedoutacrossthesea，isthatthiscrudeandmiserableresorttoarmsshouldbenecessary。\"
\"IfonlyGermansthemselveswereasbroad-mindedandreasonableasyou，\"Philippasighed，\"onefeelsthattheremightbesomehopeforthefuture！\"
\"Iamnotalone，\"heassuredher，\"but，yousee，alloverGermanythereisspreadlikeaspider’swebthelayreligionofthecitizen-devotiontotheGovernment，blindobediencetotheKaiser。
IndependentthoughthasmadeGermanygreatinscience，inpoliticaleconomy，ineconomics。Butindependentthoughtisneverturnedtowardsherpoliticaldestinies。Thoseareshapedforher。Forgoodorforevilherchildrenhavelearntobedience。\"
Theyweredescendingthehillsidenow。Attheirfeetlaythelittletown，blackandsilent。
\"Youhavehelpedmetounderstandalittle，\"Philippasaid。\"Youputthingssogentlyandyetsoclearly。Nowtellme，willyounot，howitisthatyou，whoareaSwedebybirth，arebearingarmsforGermany？\"
\"Thatisverysimple，\"heconfessed。\"MymotherwasaGerman，andwhenshediedshebequeathedtomelargeestatesinBavaria，andaveryconsiderablefortune。TheseIcouldneverhaveinheritedunlessIhadchosentodomymilitaryserviceinGermany。Myfamilyisanimpoverishedone，andIhavebrothersandsistersdependentuponme。Underthecircumstances，hesitationonmypartwasimpossible。\"
\"Butwhenthewarcame？\"shequeried。
Helookedatherinsurprise。
\"Whatwasthereleftformethen？\"hedemanded。\"NaturallyIheardnothingbutthevoiceofthosewhomIhadsworntoobey。IwasinthatmadrushthroughBelgium。IwaswoundedatMaubeuge，orelseIshouldhavefollowedhardontheheelsofthatwonderfulretreatofyours。Asitwas，Ilayformanymonthsinhospital。Ijoinedagain-shallIconfessit？-almostunwillingly。Thebloodthirstinessofitallsickenedme。IfoughtatYpres，butI
thinkthatitwassomethingofthecourageofdespair，ofblackmisery。Iwaswoundedagainanddecorated。IsupposeIshallneverbefitforthefrontagain。ItriedtoturntoaccountsomeofmyknowledgeofEnglandandEnglishlife。Thentheysentmehere。\"
\"Here，ofallplacesintheworld！\"Philipparepeatedwonderingly。
\"Justlookatus！Wehaveasinglelineofrailway，aperfectlystraightforwardsystemofroads，theordinarynumberofsoldiersbeingtrained，nomysteries，noindustries-nothing。Whatterribleschemeareyouatworkupon，Mr。Lessingham？\"
Hesmiled。
\"Betweenyouandheconfided，\"IamnotatallsurethatIamnothereonafool’serrand-atleastIthoughtsowhenIarrived。\"
Sheglancedupathim。
\"Andwhynotnow？\"
Hemadenoanswer，buttheireyesmetandPhilippalookedhurriedlyaway。Therewasamoment’squeer，strainedsilence。BeforethemloomeduptheoutlineofMainsailHaul。
\"Youwillcomeinandhavesometea，won’tyou？\"sheinvited。
\"IfImay。Believeme，\"headded，\"ithasonlybeenacertaindiffidencethathaskeptmeawaysolong。\"
Shemadenoreply，andtheyenteredthehousetogether。TheyfoundHelenandNora，withthreeorfouryoungmenfromtheDepot，havingteainthedrawing-room。Lessinghamslippedveryeasilyintothepleasantlittlecircle。Ifatriflesubdued，hisquietmanners，andasenseofhumourwhicheverynowandthendisplayeditself，weremostattractive。
\"Wishyou’dcomeanddinewithusandmeetourcolonel，sir，\"
Harrisonaskedhim。\"HewasatMagdalenafewyearsafterMajorFelstead，andIamsureyou’dfindplentytotalkabout。\"
\"Iamquitesurethatweshould，\"Lessinghamreplied。\"MayIcome，perhaps，towardstheendofnextweek？=20Iammakingmoststrenuouseffortstoleadanabsolutelyquietlifehere。\"
\"Wheneveryoulike，sir。Wesha’n’tbeabletoshowyouanythingverywildinthewayofdissipation。Vintageportandadecentcigararetheonlychangeswecanmakeforguests。\"
Philippadrewhervisitorononesidepresently，andmadehimsitwithherinadistantcorneroftheroom。
\"IknewtherewassomethingIwantedtosaytoyou，\"shebegan，\"butsomehoworotherIforgotwhenImetyou。MyhusbandwasverymuchstruckwithHelen’simprovedspirits。Don’tyouthinkthatwehadbettertellhim，whenhereturns，thatwehadheardfromMajorFelstead？\"
Lessinghamagreed。
\"Justlethimthinkthatyourletterscamebypostintheordinaryway，\"headvised。\"Ishouldn’timagine，fromwhatIhaveseenofyourhusband，thatheisasuspiciousperson，butitisjustpossiblethathemighthaveassociatedthemwithmeifyouhadmentionedthemtheothernight。Whenishecomingback？\"
\"Ineverknow，\"Philippaansweredwithasigh。\"Perhapsto-night，perhapsinaweek。Itdependsuponwhatsportheishaving。Youarenotsmoking。\"
Lessinghamlitacigarette。
\"Ifindyourhusband，\"hesaidquietly，\"ratheraninterestingtype。
WehavenoonelikethatinGermany。Healmostpuzzlesme。\"
Philippaglanceduptofindhercompanion’sdarkeyesfixeduponher。
\"ThereisverylittleaboutHenrythatneed，puzzleanyone，\"shecomplainedbitterly。\"Heisjustanovergrown，spoiltchild，devotedtoamusements，andfollowinghisfancywhereveritleadshim。Whydoyoulookatme，Mr。Lessingham，asthoughyouthoughtIwaskeepingsomethingback？Iamnot，Icanassureyou。\"
\"PerhapsIwaswondering，\"heconfessed，\"howyoureallyfelttowardsahusbandwhoseoutlookwassounnatural。\"
Shelookeddownatherintertwinedfingers。
\"Doyouknow，\"shesaidsoftly，\"Ifeel，somehoworother，althoughwehaveknownoneanothersuchashorttime，asthoughwewerefriends，andyetthatisaquestionwhichIcouldnotanswer。A
womanmustalwayshavesomesecrets，youknow。\"
\"Amanmaytrysometimestopreservehis，\"hesighed，\"butawomaniscleverenough，asarule，todigthemout。\"
Afainttingeofcolourstoleintohercheeks。ShewelcomedHelen’sapproachalmosteagerly。
\"Awomanmustfirstfeelthewill，\"shemurmured，withoutglancingathim。\"Helen，doyouthinkwedareaskMr。Lessinghamtocomeanddine？\"
\"Pleasedonotdiscouragesuchadelightfulsuggestion，\"Lessinghambeggedeagerly。
\"Ihaven’ttheleastideaofdoingso，\"Helenlaughed，\"solongasImayhave-sayjusttenminutestotalkaboutDick。\"
\"Itisabargain，\"hepromised。
\"Weshallbequitealone，\"Philippawarnedhim，\"unlessHenryarrives。\"
\"Itisthegreatattractionofyourinvitation，\"heconfessed。
\"Ateighto’clock，then。\"
CHAPTERIX
\"CaptainGriffithstoseeyourladyship。\"
Philippa’sfingersrestedforamomentuponthekeyboardofthepianobeforewhichshewasseated，awaitingLessingham’sarrival。
Thensheglancedattheclock。Itwastenminutestoeight。
\"Youcanshowhimin，Mills，ifhewishestoseeme。\"
CaptainGriffithswasusheredintotheroom-awkward，unwieldly，nervousasusual。Heenteredasthoughinahurry，andtherewasnothinginhismannertodenotethathehadspentthelastfewhoursmakinguphismindtothisvisit。
\"Imustapologiseforthismostuntimelycall，LadyCranston，\"hesaid，watchingtheclosingofthedoor。\"Iwillnottakeupmorethanfiveminutesofyourtime。\"
\"Weareverypleasedtoseeyouatanytime，CaptainGriffiths，\"
Philippasaidhospitably。\"Dositdown，please。\"
CaptainGriffithsbowedbutremainedstanding。
\"Itisverynearyourdinner-time，Iknow，LadyCranston，\"hecontinuedapologetically。\"Thefactofitis，however，thatasCommandanthereitismydutytoexaminethebonafidesofanystrangersintheplace。ThereisagentlemannamedLessinghamstayingatthehotel，whoIunderstandgaveyournameasreference。\"
Philippa’seyeslookedlargerthanever，andherfacemoreinnocent，asshegazedupathervisitor。
\"Why，ofcourse，CaptainGriffiths，\"shesaid。\"Mr。Lessinghamwasatcollegewithmybrother，andoneofhisbestfriends。Hehasshotdownatmyfather’splaceinCheshire。\"
\"Youarespeakingofyourbrother，MajorFelstead？\"
\"Myonlybrother。\"
\"Iamverymuchobligedtoyou，LadyCranston，\"CaptainGriffithsdeclared。\"IcanseethatweneednotworryanymoreaboutMr。
Lessingham。\"
Philippalaughed。
\"Itseemsratherold-fashionedtothinkofyouhavingtoworryaboutanyonedownhere，\"sheobserved。\"Itreallyisaveryharmlessneighbourhood，isn’tit？\"
\"Thereisn’tmuchgoingon，certainly，\"theCommandantadmitted。
\"Verydulltheplaceseemsattimes。\"
\"Nowbeperfectlyfrank，\"Philippabeggedhim。\"Isthereasinglefactofimportancewhichcouldbelearntinthisplace，worthcommunicatingtotheenemy？Isthedangerofespionagehereworthamoment’sconsideration？\"
\"That，\"CaptainGriffithsrepliedinsomewhatstiltedfashion，\"isnotaquestionwhichIshouldbepreparedtoansweroff-hand。\"
PhilippashruggedhershouldersandappealedalmostfeverishlytoHelen，whohadjustenteredtheroom。
\"Helen，docomeandlistentoCaptainGriffiths！Heismakingmefeelquitecreepy。Therearesecretsabout，itseems，andhewantstoknowallaboutMr。Lessingham。\"
Helensmiledwithcompleteself-possession。
\"Well，wecansethismindatrestaboutMr。Lessingham，can’twe？\"
sheobserved，assheshookhands。
\"Wecandomore，\"Philippadeclared。\"Wecanhelphimtojudgeforhimself。WeareexpectingMr。Lessinghamfordinner，CaptainGriffiths。Dostay。\"
\"Icouldn’tthinkoftakingyoubystormlikethis，\"CaptainGriffithsreplied，withawistfulnesswhichonlymadehisvoicesoundhoarserandmoreunpleasant。\"Itismostkindofyou，LadyCranston。Perhapsyouwillgivemeanotheropportunity。\"
\"Isha’n’tthinkofit，\"Philippainsisted。\"Youmuststayanddineto-night。Weshallbeapartiecarr=A1e，forNoragoestobeddirectlyafterdinner。IamringingthebelltotellMillstosetanextraplace，\"sheadded。
CaptainGriffithsabandonedhimselftofatewithalittleshiverofcomplacency。HewelcomedLessingham，whowaspresentlyannounced，withverymuchlessthanhisusualreserve，andthedinnerwasineverywayasuccess。Towardsitsclose，Philippabecamealittlethoughtful。SheglancedmorethanonceatLessingham，whowassittingbyherside，almostinadmiration。Hisconversation，gayattimes，alwayspolished，wasinterlardedcontinuallywiththose=
=20
littlesocialreminiscencesinevitableamongstmenmovinginacertaincircleofEnglishsociety。ApparentlyRichardFelsteadwasnottheonlyoneofhiscollegefriendswithwhomhehadkeptintouch。ThelastremnantsofCaptainGriffiths’suspicionsseemedtovanishwiththeirsecondglassofport，althoughhismannerbecameinnowaymoregenial。
\"Don’tyouthinkyouarealmostalittletoodaring？\"Philippaaskedherfavouredguestashehelpedherafterwardstosetoutabridgetable。
\"Oneadaptsone’smethodstoone’sadversary，\"hemurmured，withasmile，\"YourfriendCaptainGriffithshadonlytheveryconventionalsuspicions。ThementionofafewgoodEnglishnames，acquaintancewiththeordinaryEnglishsports，isquitesufficientwithamanlikethat。\"
HelenandGriffithsweretalkingattheotherendoftheroom。
Philipparaisedhereyestohercompanion’s。
\"Youbecomemoreofamysterythanever，\"shedeclared。\"Youaremakingmeevencurious。Tellmereallywhyyouhavepaidusthisvisitfromtheclouds？\"
Shewassorryalmostassoonasshehadaskedthequestion。Foramomentthecalminsoucianceofhismannerseemedtohavedeparted。
Hiseyesglowed。
\"Insearchofnewthings，\"heanswered。
\"Guns？Fortifications？\"
\"Neither。\"
Aspiritofmischiefpossessedher。Lessingham’smannerwasbafflingandyetprovocative。Foramomentthepoliticalpossibilitiesofhispresencefadedawayfromhermind。Shehadanintensedesiretobreakthroughhisreserve。
\"Won’tyoutellme-whyyoucame？\"
\"Icouldtellyoumoreeasily，\"heansweredinalowtone，\"whyitwillbethemostmiserabledayofmylifewhenIleave。\"
Shelaughedathimwithperfectheartiness。
\"Howdelightfultobeflirtedwithagain！\"shesighed。\"AndI
thoughtallGermanmenweresoheavy，andpaidelaborate，underdonecompliments。Still，yoursecret，sir，please？ThatiswhatIwanttoknow。\"
\"Ifyouwillhavejustalittlepatience！\"hebegged，leaningsoclosetoherthattheirheadsalmosttouched，\"IpromisethatIwillnotleavethisplacebeforeItellittoyou。\"
Philippa’seyesforthefirsttimedroppedbeforehis。Sheknewperfectlywellwhatsheoughttohavedoneandshewassingularlyindisposedtodoit。Itwasamostpiquantadventure，afterall，anditalmosthelpedhertoforgetthetroublewhichhadbeensittingsoheavilyinherheart。Stillavoidinghiseyes，shecalledtheothers。
\"Wearequitereadyforbridge，\"sheannounced。
Theyplayedfourorfiverubbers。Lessinghamwasbyfarthemostexpertplayer，andheandPhilippaintheendwerethewinners。
Thetwomenstoodtogetherforamomentortwoatthesideboard，helpingthemselvestowhiskyandsoda。Griffithshadbecomemoretaciturnthanever，andevenPhilippawasforcedtoadmitthatthelatterpartoftheeveninghadscarcelybeenasuccess。
\"Doyouplayclubbridgeintown，Mr。Lessingham？\"Griffithsasked。
\"Never，\"wasthecalmreply。
\"Youareheadandshouldersaboveourclassdownhere。\"
\"Verygoodofyoutosayso，\"Lessinghamrepliedcourteously。\"I
heldgoodcardsto-night。\"
\"Iwonder，\"Griffithswenton，droppinghisvoicealittleandkeepinghiseyesfixeduponhiscompanion，\"whattheGermansubstituteforbridgeis。\"
\"Iwonder，\"Lessinghamechoed。
\"Asanation，\"hisquestionerproceeded，\"theyprobablydon’twasteasmuchtimeoncardsaswedo。\"
Lessingham’sinterestinthesubjectappearedtobenon-existent。
HestrolledawayfromthesideboardtowardsPhilippa。She，forherpart，waswatchingCaptainGriffiths。
\"Somanythanks，LadyCranston，\"Lessinghammurmured，\"foryourhospitality。\"
\"Andwhataboutthatsecret？\"sheasked。
\"Yousee，therearetwo，\"heanswered，lookingdownather。\"OneIshallmostsurelytellyoubeforeIleavehere，becauseitistheonesecretwhichnomanhaseversucceededinkeepingtohimself。
Asfortheother-\"
Hehesitated。Therewassomethingalmostlikepaininhisface。
Shebrokeinhastily。
\"Ididnotcallyouawaytoaskabouteither。IhappenedtonoticeCaptainGriffithsjustnow。Doyouknowthatheiswatchingyouveryclosely？\"
\"Ihadanideaofit，\"Lessinghamadmittedindifferently。\"Heisratheraclumsyperson，ishenot？\"
\"Youwillbecareful？\"shebeggedearnestly。\"Remember，won’tyou，thatHelenandIarereallyinamostdisgracefulpositionifanythingshouldcomeout。\"
\"Nothingshall，\"hepromisedher。\"Ithinkyouknow，doyounot，that，whatevermighthappentome，Ishouldfindsomemeanstoprotectyou。\"
Forthesecondtimeshefeltacuriouslackofwilltofittinglyreprovehisboldness。Shehadeventostruggletokeephertoneascarelessasherwords。
\"Youreallyareadelightfulperson！\"sheexclaimed。\"Howlongisitsinceyoudescendedfromtheclouds？\"
\"SometimesIthinkthatIamtherestill，\"heanswered，\"butIhaveknownyouaboutseventy-sixhours。\"
\"Whatprecision？\"shelaughed。\"It’sanationalcharacteristic，isn’tit？CaptainGriffiths，\"shecontinued，assheobservedhisapproach，\"ifyoureallymustgo，pleasetakeMr。Lessinghamwithyou。Heismakingfunofme。Idon’tallowevenDick’sfriendstodothat。\"
Lessingham’sdisclaimerwasinquitethecorrectvein。
\"Youmustbothcomeagainverysoon，\"theirhostessconcluded，assheshookhands。\"Ienjoyedourbridgeimmensely。\"
ThetwomenwerealreadyontheirwaytothedoorwhenasuddenideaseemedtooccurtoCaptainGriffiths。Heturnedback。
\"By-the-by，LadyCranston，\"heasked，\"haveyouheardanythingfromyourbrother？\"
Philippashookherheadsadly。Helen，who，unlikeherfriend，hadnothadtheadvantageofadistinguishedcareerupontheamateurdramaticstage，turnedawayandheldahandkerchieftohereyes。
\"Notaword，\"wasPhilippa’ssorrowfulreply。
CaptainGriffithsofferedaclumsyexpressionofhissympathy。
\"Badluck！\"hesaid。\"I’msosorry，LadyCranston。Goodnightoncemore。\"
Thistimetheirdeparturewasuninterrupted。Helenremovedherhandkerchieffromhereyes，andPhilippamadealittlegrimaceatthecloseddoor。
\"Doyoube1ieve，\"Helenaskedseriously，\"thatCaptainGriffithshasanysuspicions？\"
Philippashruggedhershoulders。
\"Ifhehas，whocares？\"shereplied，alittledefiantly。\"Theveryideaofaduelofwitsbetweenthosetwomenislaughable。\"
\"Perhapsso，\"Helenagreed，withashadeofdoubtinhertone。
CHAPTERX
PhilippaandHelenstarted，afewmorningslater，foroneoftheircustomarywalks。ThecrystallineOctobersunshine，inwhicheverydistanttreeand，seaward，eachslowlytravellingsteamer，seemedtogainanewclearnessofoutline，layuponthedeep-ploughedfields，theyellowingbracken，andthered-goldofthebendingtrees，whilethewestwind，whichhadstrewntheseawithwhite-fleckedwaves，broughtdowntheleavestoformacarpetfortheirfeet，andplayedstrangemusicalongthewood-crestedslope。Inthebrokenlandthroughwhichtheymadetheirway，alandoftreesandmoorland，withhereandthereacultivatedpatch，theyellowgorsestillglowedinunexpectedcorners；queer，scentlessflowersmadesplashesofcolourinthehedgerows；arabbitscurriedsometimesacrosstheirpath；acockpheasant，afteramoment’samazedstare，loweredhisheadandrushedforunnecessaryshelter。Thelongertheylookedupwards，thebluerseemedthesky。Thegrassbeneaththeirfeetwasasgreenandsoftasinspringtime。Drivenbythewind，hereandthereawhite-wingedgullsailedovertheirheads，-acloudofthemresteduponafreshlyturnedlittlesquareofploughedlandbetweentwowoods。Aflightofpigeons，liketornleavestossedaboutbythewind，circledanddriftedabovethem。Philippaseatedherselfuponthetrunkofafallentreeandgazedcontentedlyabouther。
\"IfIhadalooking-glassandafewmorehairpins，Ishouldbeperfectlyhappy，\"shesighed。\"Iamsuremyhairmustlookawful。\"
Helenglancedatitadmiringly。
\"Ideclinetosaythecorrectthing，\"shedeclared。\"Iwillonlyremindyouthattherewillbenooneheretolookatit。\"
\"Iamnotsosure，\"Philippareplied。\"Thesearethewoodswhichthespecialconstableshauntbydayandbynight。Theygazeupeverytreetrunkforawirelessinstallation，andtheyliebehindhedgesandwatchformysteriousflashes。\"
\"AreyousuggestingthatwemaymeetMr。Lessingham？\"Helenenquired，lazily。\"Iamperfectlycertainthatheknowsnothingoftheequipmentofthemelodramaticspy。AstoZeppelins，don’tyourememberhetoldusthathehatedthemandwasterrifiedofbombs。\"
\"Mydear，\"Philipparemonstrated，\"Mr。Lessinghamdoesnothingcrude。\"
\"Andyet，-\"Helenbegan。
\"YetIsupposethemanhassomethingatthebackofhishead，\"
Philippainterrupted。\"SometimesIthinkthathehas，sometimesI
believethatRichardmusthaveshownhimmypicture，andhehascomeoverheretoseeifIamreallylikeit。\"
\"Hedoesbehaveratherlikethat，\"hercompanionadmitteddrily。
Phillipaturnedandlookedather。
\"Helen，\"shesaidseverely，\"don’tbeacat。\"
\"IfIweretoexpressmyopinionofyourbehaviour，\"Helenwenton，pickingupapineconeandexaminingit，\"Imightastonishyou。\"
\"Youhaveanevilmind，\"Philippayawned，producinghercigarettecase。\"WhatyoureallyresentisthatMr。LessinghamsometimesforgetstotalkaboutDick。\"
\"Thepoormandoesn’tgetmuchchance，\"Helenretorted，watchingthebluesmokefromhercigaretteandleaningbackwithanairofcontent。
\"Whateverdoyouandhefindtotalkabout，Philippa？\"
\"Literature-EnglishandGerman，\"Philippamurmureddemurely。\"Mr。
Lessinghamisremarkablywellread，andheknowsmoreaboutourEnglishpoetsthananymanIhavemetforyears。\"
\"Iforgotthatyouenjoyedthatsortofthing。\"
\"Oncemore，don’tbeacat，\"Philippaenjoined。\"Ifyouwantmetoconfessit，Iwillownupatonce。YouknowwhatasimplelittlethingIam。IadmireMr。Lessinghamexceedingly，andIfindhimamostinterestingcompanion。\"
\"Youmean，\"herfriendobserveddrily\"theBaronMaderstrom。\"
Philippalookedaroundandfrowned。
\"Youaremostindiscreet，Helen，\"shedeclared。\"Ihavelearntsomethingofthescienceofespionagelately，andIcanassureyouthatallspokenorwrittenwordsaredangerous。ThereisathoroughlyBritishsquirrelinthattreeoverhead，andIamsureheheard。\"
\"Isupposethesunshinehasgotintoyourhead，\"Helengroaned。
\"IfyoumeanthatIamfindingitarelieftotalknonsense，youareright，\"Philippaassented。\"Asamatteroffact，Iamfeelingmostdepressed。Henrytelephonedfromsomewhereorotherbeforebreakfastthismorning，tosaythatheshouldprobablybehometo-nightorto-morrow。Theymusthavelandedsomewheredownthecoast。\"
\"Youareamostundutifulwife，\"Helenpronouncedseverely。\"IamsureHenryisadelightfulperson，evenifheisalittleirresponsible，anditisalmostpathetictorememberhowmuchyouwereinlovewithhim，ayearortwoago。\"
SomeofthelightnessvanishedfromPhilippa’sface。
\"Thatwasbeforethewar，\"shesighed。
\"IstillthinkHenryisadear，thoughIdon’taltogetherunderstandhim，\"Helensaidthoughtfully。
\"Nodoubt，\"Philippaassented，\"butyou’dfindthenotunderstandinghimalittlemoregalling，ifyouwerehiswife。Yousee，Ididn’tknowthatIwasmarryingasortofsportingMr。Skimpole。\"
\"Iwonder，\"Helenreflected，\"howHenryandMr。Lessinghamwillgetonwhentheyseemoreofoneanother。\"
\"Ireallydon’tcare，\"Philippaobservedindifferently。
\"Iusedtonoticesometimes-thatwassoonafteryouweremarried，\"
Helencontinued，\"thatHenrywasjustalittleinclinedtobejealous。\"
Philippawithdrewhereyesfromthesea。Therewasaqueerlittlesmileuponherlips。
\"Well，ifhestillis，\"shesaid，\"I’llgivehimsomethingtobe=20
jealousabout。\"
\"PoorMr。Lessingham！\"Helenmurmured。
Philippa’seyebrowswereraised。
\"PoorMr。Lessingham？\"sherepeated。\"Idon’tthinkyou’llfindthathe’llbeintheleastsorryforhimself。\"
\"Hemaybeinearnest，\"Helenremindedherfriend。\"Youcanbehorriblyattractivewhenyoulike，youknow，Philippa。\"
Philippasmiledsweetly。
\"Itisjustpossible，\"shesaid，\"thatImaybeinearnestmyself。
I’vequarrelledprettydesperatelywithHenry，youknow，andI’mahelplesscreaturewithoutalittleadmiration。\"
Helenrosesuddenlytoherfeet。Hereyeswerefixeduponafigureapproachingthroughthewood。
\"Youreallyaren’trespectable，Philippa，\"shedeclared。\"Throwawayyourcigarette，forheaven’ssake，andsitup。Someoneiscoming。\"
Philippaonlymovedherheadlazily。Thesunlight，whichcamedowninathousandlittlezigzagsthroughthewind-tossedtrees，fellstraightuponherratherpale，defiantlittleface，withitsunexpressedevasivecharm，andseemedtofindanewdepthofcolourinthered-goldofherdisorderedhair。Herslim，perfectbodywasstretchedalmostatfulllength，onelegdrawnalittleup，herhandscarelesslydroopingtowardsthegrass。Thecigarettewasstillburninginthecornerofherlips。
\"Idecline，\"shesaid，\"tothrowawaymycigaretteforanyone。
\"Leastofall，Itrust，\"afamiliarvoiceinterposed，\"forme。\"
Philippasatuprightatonce，smoothedherhairandlookedalittleresentfullyatLessingham。Hewaswearingabrowntweedknickerbockersuit，andhecarriedagununderhisarm。
\"Whateverareyoudoinguphere，\"shedemanded，\"anddoyouknowanythingaboutourgamelaws？Youcan’tcomeoutintothewoodshereandshootthingsjustbecauseyoufeellikeit。\"
Hedisposedofhisgunandseatedhimselfbetweenthem。
\"Thatisquiteallright，\"heassuredher。\"Yourneighbour，Mr。
Windover，towhomthesewoodsapparentlybelong，askedmetobringmygunoutthismorningandtryandgetawoodcock。\"
\"Gracious！Youdon’tmeanthatMr。Windoverishere，too？\"Philippademanded，lookingaround。Lessinghamshookhishead。
\"Hiscarcameforhimattheothersideofthewood，\"heexplained。
\"HewaswantedtogoontheBench。Ielectedtowalkhome。\"
\"Andthewoodcock？\"sheasked。\"Iadorewoodcock。\"
Heproducedonefromhispocket，tookupherfelthat，whichwaslyingamongstthebracken，andbusiedhimselfinsulatingthepinfeathersunderthesilkband。
\"There，\"hesaid，handingittoher，\"thefirstwoodcockoftheseason。Wegotfour，andIreallyonlyacceptedoneinthehopethatyouwouldlikeit。IshallleaveitwiththeestimableMills，onmyreturn。\"
\"Youmustcomeandshareit，\"Philippainsisted。\"ThoseboysofNora’sarecomingintodinner。Yourgiftshallbethepiecede\"ThenmayIdineanothernight？\"hebegged。\"Thisplaceencouragesinmethegrossestofappetites。\"
\"Havenofear，\"shereplied。\"Youwillneverseethatwoodcockagain。Ishallhaveitformyluncheonto-morrow。IordereddinnerbeforeIcameout，andthoughitmaybeasimplefeast，Ipromisethatyoushallnotgoawayhungry。\"
\"Willyoupromisethatyouwillneversendmeawayhungry？\"heasked，droppinghisvoiceforamoment。
Sheturnedandstudiedhim。Helen，whohadstrolledafewyardsaway，wasknee-deepinthegoldenbrownbracken，pickingsomegorgeouslycolouredleavesfromasolitarybramblebush。Lessinghamhadthrownhiscapontotheground，andhiswind-tossedhairandtheunusualcolourinhischeekswereboth，intheirway，becoming。Hisloosebutwell-fittingcountryclothes，histieandsoftcollar，wereallwell-chosenandsuitable。Sheadmiredhishighforeheadandhisfirm，ratherproudmouth。Hiseyesaswellashistonewerefullofseriousness。
\"YouknowthatyououghttobesayingthattosomeGretchenawayacrossthatterribleNorthSea，\"shelaughed。
\"ThereisnoGretchenwhohasevermademyheartshakeasyoudo，\"
hewhispered。
Shepickedupherhatandsighed。
\"Really，\"shesaid，\"Ithinkthingsarequitecomplicatedenoughastheyare。Iaminaflutteralldaylong，asitis，aboutyourmissionhereandyourrealidentity。Isimplycouldnotincludeaflirtationamongstmyexcitements。\"
\"Ihaveneverflirted，\"heassuredhergravely。
\"Wiseman，\"shepronounced，risingtoherfeet。\"Come，letusgoandhelpHelenpickleaves。Sheisscratchingherfingersterribly，andI’msureyouhaveaknife。Adear，economicalcreature，Helen，\"
sheadded，astheystrolledalong。\"Iamperfectlycertainthatthosearedestinedtoadornmydining-table，and，withchrysanthemumsatsixpenceeach，youcan’timaginehowwelcometheyare。Come，producetheknife，Mr。Lessingham。\"
Theknifewasforthcoming，andpresentlytheyallturnedtheirfaceshomeward。Philippaarrestedbothhercompanionsontheoutskirtsofthewood，andpointedtothered-tiledlittletown，tothesombre，storm-beatengreychurchontheedgeofthecliff，tothepeacefulfields，thestretchofgorse-sprinkledcommon，andtherollingstretchofgreenturfonthecrownofthecliffs。Beyondwasthefoam-fleckedbluesea，dottedalloverwithcargosteamers。
\"Wouldonebelieve，\"sheaskedsatirically，\"thatthereshouldbescopehereinthisforgottenlittlespotforthebrainsofa-Mr。
Lessingham！\"
\"RememberthatIwassent，\"heprotested。\"Theerror，iferrortherebe，isnotmine。\"
\"Andafterall，\"Helenremindedthemboth，\"thinkhoweasilyonemaybemisledbyappearances。Youcouldn’timagineanythingmorehonestthanthefacesofthevillagersandthefishermenoneseesabout，yetdoyouknow，Mr。Lessingham，thatwewerevisitedbyburglarslastnight？\"
\"Seriously？\"heasked。
\"Withoutadoubt。Ofcourse，MainsailHaulisaninvitationtothieves。Theycouldgetinanywhere。LastnighttheychosetheFrenchwindowsandseemtohavemadethemselvesathomeinthelibrary。\"
\"Itrust，\"Lessinghamsaid，\"thattheydidnottakeanythingofvalue？\"
\"Theytooknothingatall，\"Philippasighed。\"Thatisthehumiliatingpartofit。Theyevidentlydidn’tlikeourthings。\"
\"Howdoyouknowthatyouhadburglars，iftheytooknothingaway？\"
Lessinghamenquired。
\"Sopractical！\"Philippamurmured。\"Asamatteroffact，Iheardsomeonemovingabout，andIrangthealarmbell。Millswasdownstairsalmostdirectlyandweheardsomeonerunningdownthedrive。TheFrenchwindowswereopen，achairwasoverturnedinthelibrary，andadrawerinmyhusband’sdeskwaswideopen。\"
\"Theproof，\"Lessinghamadmitted，\"isoverwhelming。Youwerevisitedbyaburglar。Doesyourhusbandkeepanythingofvalueinhisdesk？\"
\"Henryhasn’tanythingofvalueintheworld，\"Philippareplieddrily，\"excepthissecurities，andtheyareatthebank。\"
\"Withoutgoingsofarastocontradictyou，\"Lessinghamobserved，withasmile，\"Istillventuretodisagree！\"
CHAPTERXI
SirHenrysteppedbackfromthescalesandeyedthefishwhichtheyhadbeenweighing，admiringly。
\"Youseethat，Mills？Youseethat，Jimmy？\"hepointedout。\"Sixandthree-quarterpounds！Iwasrightalmosttoanounce。He’safinefellow！\"
\"Averyextraordinaryfish，sir，\"thebutlerobserved。\"Willyouallowmetotakeyouroilskins？Dinnerwasservednearlyanhourago。\"
SirHenryslippedoffhisdrippingoverallsandhandedthemover。
\"That’sallright，\"hereplied。\"Listen。Don’tsayawordaboutmyarrivaltoyourmistressatpresent。Ihavesomewritingtodo。
Bringmeaglassofsherryatonce，ormixacocktailifyoucandosowithoutbeingmissed，andtakeJimmyawayandgivehimsomewhiskyandsoda。\"
\"Butwhataboutyourowndinner，sir？\"
\"I’llhaveatrayinthegunroom，\"hismasterdecided，\"sayintwentyminutes’time。And，Mills，whodidyousayweredining？\"
\"TwooftheyoungofficersfromtheDepot，sir-Mr。HarrisonandMr。Sinclair-andMr。HamarLessingham。\"
\"Lessingham，eh？SirHenryrepeated，asheseatedhimselfbeforehiswriting-table。\"Mills，\"headded，inaconfidentialwhisper，\"whatportdidyouserve？\"
Thebutler’sexpressionwasoneofconsciousrectitude。
\"Notthevintage，sir，\"heannouncedwithemphasis。\"Someveryexcellentwoodport，whichweprocuredforshootingluncheons。
Theyounggentlemenlikeit。\"
\"You’reajewel，Mills，\"hismasterdeclared。\"Nowyouunderstand-anaperitifformenow，somewhiskyforJimmyinyourroom，andnotawordaboutmybeinghere。Goodnight，Jimmy。Sorryweweretoolateforthemackerel，butwehadsomegrandsport，allthesame。
You’llhaveadayortwo’srestashorenow。\"
\"Aye，aye，sir！\"Dumblereplied。\"Wegotinjustintime。There’ssomethingmorethanasquallcomingupnor’ards。\"
SirHenrylistenedforamoment。TheFrenchwindowsshook，therainbeatagainstthepanes，andadullboomingofwindwasclearlyaudiblefromoutside。
\"Wetimedthatexcellently，\"heagreed。\"Comeupandhaveachatto-morrow，Jimmy，ifyourwifewillspareyou。\"
\"I’llberoundbeforeeleven，sir，\"thefishermanpromised，withagrin。
