\"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。