AllthatIdidforyouatWittenberg，Ishouldhavedoneinanycaseforthesakeofourfriendship。Yourfreedomwouldprobablyneverhavebeengrantedtomebutformymission，althougheventhatImighthavetriedtoarrange。Ibroughtyourlettershere，andItradedthemwithyoursisterandMissFaircloughfortheshelteroftheirhospitalityandtheirguarantees。Nowyouknowjustwherefriendshipendedandtheotherthingsbegan。Dowhatyoubelievetobeyourduty。\"
RichardfollowedHelenout，closingthedoorafterhim。LessinghamlookeddownintoPhilippa’sface。
\"YouaremorewonderfuleventhanIthought，\"hecontinuedsoftly。
\"Yousaysolittleandyoulivesonearthetruth。Itisthoseofuswhofeelasyoudo-whounderstand-towhomthiswarissoterrible。\"
\"IwanttoaskyouonequestionbeforeIsendyouaway，\"shetoldhim。\"ThisjourneytoAmerica？\"
\"ItisamissiononbehalfofGermany，\"heexplained，\"butitis，afterall，anopenone。Ihavefriends-highlyplacedfriends-inmyowncountry，whointheirheartsfeelasIdoaboutthewar。Itisthrough=20themthatIamabletoturnmybackuponEurope。Ihavedonemyshareoffighting，\"hewentonsadly，\"andthehorrorofitwillneverquiteleaveme。Ithinkthatnoonehaseverchargedmewithshirkingmyduty，andyetthesheer，blackuglinessofthisghastlystruggle，itscriminalinutility，havegotintomybloodsothatIthinkIwouldratherpassoutoftheworldinsomesimplewaythanfindmyselfbackagaininthatdebauchofblood。Isthiscowardice，Philippa？\"
Shelookedathimwithshiningeyes。
\"Thereisn’tanyoneintheworld，\"shesaid，\"whocouldcallyouacoward。WhateverImaydecide，whateverImayfeeltowardsyou，thatatleastIknow。\"
Hekissedherfingers。
\"Atteno’clock，\"hebegan-
\"Butlisten，\"sheinterrupted。\"ApartfromanythingwhichDickmightdo，youareinterribledangerhere，allthemoreifyoureallyhaveaccomplishedsomething。Whynotgonow，atthismoment？Whywait？Thesefewhoursmaymakeallthedifference。\"
Hesmiled。
\"Theymay，indeed，makeallthedifferencetomylife，\"heanswered。
\"Thatisforyou。\"
HefollowedMills，whohadobeyedhersummons，outoftheroom。
Philippamovedtothewindowandwatchedhimuntilhehaddisappeared。Thenveryslowlyshelefttheroom，walkedupthestairs，madeherwaytoherownlittlesuiteofapartments，andlockedthedoor。
CHAPTERXXX
Itwasahappy，ifatriflehystericallittledinnerpartythateveningatMainsailHaul。Philippawasattimesunusuallysilent，butHelenhadexpandedinthejoyofhergreathappiness。Richard，shavedandwithhishaircut，attiredoncemoreinthegarbofcivilisation，seemedadifferentperson。Eveninthesefewhoursthelinesabouthismouthseemedlesspronounced。TheytalkedfreelyofMaderstrom。
\"Aregular’VanityFair’problem，\"Richarddeclared，balancinghiswineglassbetweenhisfingers，\"aproblem，too，whichIcan’tsayIhavesolvedaltogetheryet。Theonlythingisthatifheisreallygoingto-night，Idon’tseewhyIshouldn’tletthematterdriftoutofmymind。\"
\"Itissomuchbetter，\"Helenagreed。\"TryashardaseverIcan，Icannotpicturehisdoinganyharmtoanybody。Andasforanyinformationhemayhavegainedhere，well，IthinkthatwecansafelylethimtakeitbacktoGermany。\"
\"Hewasalways，\"Richardcontinuedreminiscently，\"asortofcrossbetweenadreamer，anidealist，andasportsman。Therewasneveranythingofthepracticalmanofaffairsabouthim。Hewasscrupulouslyhonourable，andalmostapuristinhisoutlookuponlife。IhavemetagreatmanyGermans，\"Richardwenton，\"andI’vekilledafew，thankGod！-butheisaboutasunliketheordinarytypeasanyoneIevermet。Theonlypityisthatheeverservedhistimewiththem。\"
Philippahadbeenlisteningattentively。Shewasmorethaneversilentafterherbrother’slittleappreciationofhisfriend。
Richardglancedathergood-humouredly。
\"Youhaven’tkilledthefattedcalfformeintheshapeofclothes，Philippa，\"heobserved。\"Onewouldthinkthatyouweregoingonajourney。\"
Sheglanceddownatherhigh-neckedgownandavoidedHelen’sanxiouseyes。
\"Imaygoforawalk，\"shesaid，\"andleaveyoutwoyoungpeopletotalksecrets。Iamratherfondofthegardenthesemoonlightnights。\"
\"WhenisHenrycomingback？\"herbrotherenquired。
Philippa’smannerwasquietbutominous。
\"Ihavenoidea，\"sheconfessed。\"Hecomesandgoesasthewhimseizeshim，andIveryseldomknowwhereheis。Oneweekitiswhitingandanothercodling。LatelyheseemstohaveshownsomepartialityforLondonlife。\"
Richard’seyeswerewideopennow。
\"Youmeantosaythatheisstillnotdoinganything？\"
\"Nothingwhatever。\"
\"Butwhatexcusedoeshegive-orratherIshouldsayreason？\"
Richardpersisted。
\"Hesaysthatheistoooldforaship，andhewon’tworkinanoffice，\"Philippareplied。\"Thatiswhathesays。HispointofviewissoimpossiblethatIcannotevendiscussitwithhim。\"
\"It’stherummestgoIevercameacross，\"Richardremarkedreminiscently。\"IshouldhavesaidthatoldHenrywouldhavebeenupandat’emattheAdmiraltybeforethefirstgunwasfired。\"
\"Onthecontrary，\"Philipparejoined，\"hetookadvantageofthewartohireaScotchmoorathalf-price，aboutaweekafterhostilitieshadcommenced。\"
\"It’sarumgo，\"Richardrepeated。\"Ican’tfancyHenryasaskulker。Forgiveme，Philippa，\"headded。
\"Youareentirelyforgiven，\"sheassuredhimdrily。
\"Hecomesofsuchafinefightingstock，\"Richardmused。\"I
supposehishealthisallright？\"
\"Hishealth，\"Philippadeclared，\"ismarvellous。IshouldthinkheisoneofthestrongestmenIknow。\"
Herbrotherpattedherhand。
\"You’vebeenmakingratheratroubleofit，oldgirl，\"hesaidaffectionately。\"It’snogooddoingthat，youknow。YouwaitandletmehaveatalkwithHenry。\"
\"Ithink，\"shereplied，\"thatnearlyeverythingpossiblehasalreadybeensaidtohim。\"
\"Perhapsyou’veputhisbackupabit，\"Richardsuggested，\"andhemayreallybeonthelookoutforsomethingallthetime。\"
\"Ithasbeenalongsearch！\"Philipparetorted，withquietsarcasm。
\"Letustalkaboutsomethingelse。\"
Theygossipedforatimeoveracquaintancesandrelations，madetheirplansfortheweek-RichardmustreportattheWarOfficeatonce。
Philippagrewmoreandmoresilentasthemealdrewtoaclose。ItwasatHelen’sinitiativethattheyleftRichardaloneforamomentoverhisport。Shekeptherarmthroughherfriend’sastheycrossedthehallintothedrawing-room，andclosedthedoorbehindthem。Philippastooduponthehearthrug。Alreadyhermouthhadcometogetherinastraightline。11creyesmetHelen’sdefiantly。
\"Iknowexactlywhatyouaregoingtosay，Helen，\"shebegan，\"andIwarnyouthatitwillbeofnouse。\"
Helendrewupasmallchairandseatedherselfbeforethefire。
\"AreyougoingawaywithMr。Lessingham，Philippa？\"sheasked。
\"Iam，\"wasthecalmresponse。\"Imadeupmymindthisafternoon。
Weareleavingto-night。\"
Helenstretchedoutonefoottotheblaze。
\"Motoring？\"sheenquired。
\"Naturally，\"Philippareplied。\"Youknowtherearenotrainsleavinghereto-night。\"
\"You’llhaveacoldride，\"Helenremarked。\"Ishouldtakeyourheavyfurcoat。\"
Philippastaredathercompanion。
\"Youdon’tseemmuchupset，Helen！\"
\"Ithink，\"Helen。declared，lookingup，\"thatnothingthathaseverhappenedtomeinmylifehasmadememoreunhappy，butI
canseethatyouhavereasoneditallout，andthereisnotasingleargumentIcouldusewhichyouhaven’talreadydiscounted。
Itisyourlife，Philippa，notmine。\"
\"Sinceyouaresophilosophical，\"Philippaobserved，\"letmeaskyou-shouldyoudowhatIamgoingtodo，ifyouwereinmyplace？\"
\"Ishouldnot，\"wasthefirmreply。
Philippalaughedheartily。
\"Oh，Iknowwhatyouaregoingtosay！\"Helencontinuedquickly。
\"You’lltellme，won’tyou，thatIamnottemperamental。IthinkinyourheartyouratherdespisemyabsolutefidelitytoRichard。
Youwouldcallitcowlike，orsomethingofthatsort。Thereisadifferencebetweenus，Philippa，andthatiswhyIamafraidtoarguewithyou。\"
\"Whatshouldyoudo，\"Philippademanded，\"ifRichardfailedyouinsomegreatthing？\"
\"Imightsuffer，\"Helenconfessed，\"butmylovewouldbethereallthesame。PerhapsforthatreasonIshouldsufferthemore，butI
shouldneverbeabletoseewiththosewhojudgedhimhardly。\"
\"Youthink，then，\"Philippapersisted，\"thatIoughtstilltoremainHenry’slovingandaffectionatewife，readytotakemyplaceamongstthepastimesofhislife-whenhefeelsinclined，forinstance，towanderfromhisdarklady-lovetosomethingpetiteandofmycomplexion，orwhenhesettlesdownathomeforafewdaysafterafortnight’ssportontheseaandexpectsmetotellhimthewarnews？\"
\"Idon’tthinkthatIshoulddothat，\"Helenadmittedquietly，\"butIamquitecertainthatIshouldn’trunawaywithanotherman。\"
\"Whynot？\"
\"BecauseIshouldbepunishingmyselftoomuch。\"
Philippa’seyessuddenlyflashed。
\"Helen，\"shesaid，\"youarenotsuchafoolasyoutrytomakemethink。Can’tyouseewhatisreallyatthebackofitallinmymind？Can’tyourealisethat，whateverthepunishmentitmaybring，itwillpunishHenrymore？\"
\"Isee，\"Helenobserved。\"YouarerunningawaywithMr。LessinghamtoannoyHenry？\"
\"Oh，he’llbemorethanannoyed！\"Philippalaughedsardonically。
\"Hehasterribleideasaboutthesanctityofthingsthatbelongtohim。He’llberemarkablysheepishforsometimetocome。Hemayevenfeelafewlittlestabs。WhenIhavetime，Iamgoingtowritehimaletterwhichhecankeepfortherestofhislife。Itwon’tpleasehim！\"
\"Whereareyou-andMr。Lessinghamgoingtolive？\"Helenenquired。
\"InAmerica，tostartwith。I’vealwayslongedtogototheStates。\"
\"Whatshallyoudo，\"Helencontinued，\"ifyoudon’tgetoutofthecountrysafely？\"
\"Mr。Lessinghamseemsquitesurethatweshall，\"Philippareplied，\"andheseemsapersonofmanyexpedients。Ofcourse，ifwedidn’t，IshouldgobacktoCheshire。Ishouldhavegonebackthere，anyway，beforenow，ifMr。Lessinghamhadn’tcome。\"
\"Well，itallseemsverysimple，\"Helenadmitted。\"IthinkMr。
Lessinghamisaperfectlydelightfulperson，andIshouldn’twonderifyoudidn’tnowandthenalmostimaginethatyouwerehappy。\"
\"Youseemtobetakingmygoingverycoolly，\"Philipparemarked。
\"ItoldyouhowIfeltaboutitjustnow，\"Helenremindedher。
\"YourgoingislikeagreatblackcloudthatIhaveseengrowinglargerandlarger，daybyday。Ithinkthat，inhisway，DickwillsufferjustasmuchasHenry。Weshallallbeutterlymiserable。\"
\"Whydon’tyoutryandpersuademenottogo，then？\"Philippademanded。\"YousittheretalkingaboutitasthoughIweregoingonanordinarycountry-housevisit。\"
Helenraisedherhead，andPhilippasawthathereyeswerefilledwithtears。
\"Philippadear，\"shesaid，\"ifIthoughtthatallthetearsthatwereevershed，allthewordsthatwereeverdraggedfromone’sheart，couldhaveanyrealeffect，I’dgoonmykneestoyounowandimploreyoutogiveupthisidea。ButIthink-youwon’tbeangrywithme，dear？-Ithinkyouwouldgojustthesame。\"
\"YouseemtothinkthatIamobstinate，\"Philippacomplained。
\"Yousee，youaretemperamental，dear，\"Helenremindedher。\"Youhaveacomplexnature。Iknowverywellthatyouneedthedaily=20
lovethatHenrydoesn’tseemtohavebeenwillingtogiveyoulately，andIcouldn’tstopyourturningtowardsthesun，youknow。
Only-allthetimethere’sthatterribleanxiety-areyouquitesureitisthesun？\"
\"YoubelieveinMr。Lessingham，don’tyou？\"Philippaasked。
\"Idoindeed，\"Helenreplied。\"Iamnotquitesure，though，thatIbelieveinyou。\"
Philippawasalittlestartled。
\"Well，Inever！\"sheexclaimed。\"Exactlywhatdoyoumeanbythat，Helen？\"
\"Iamnotquitesure，\"Helencontinued，\"thatwhenthemomenthasreallycome，andyourheadisupturnedandyourarmsoutstretched，andyourfeethaveleftthisworldinwhichyouarenow，Iamnotquitesurethatyouwillfindallthatyouseek。\"
\"Youthinkhedoesn’tloveme？\"
\"Iamnotconvinced，\"Helenrepliedcalmly，\"thatyoulovehim。\"
\"Why，youidiot，\"Philippadeclaredfeverishly，\"ofcourseIlovehim！Ithinkheisoneofthesweetest，mostlovablepersonsI
everknew，andastohisbeingaSwede，Ishouldn’tcarewhetherhewereaFijiIslanderoraChinese。\"
Helennoddedsympathetically。
\"Iagreewithyou，\"shesaid，\"butlisten。YouknowthatIhaven’tutteredasinglewordtodissuadeyou。Well，then，grantmejustonething。Beforeyoustartoffthisevening，tellMr。Lessinghamthetruth，whateveritmaybe，thetruthwhichyouhaven’ttoldme。
Itverylikelywon’tmakeanydifference。Twopeopleasniceasyouandhe，whoaregoingtojointheirlives，generallydo，Ibelieve，findthethingstheyseek。Still，tellhim。\"
Philippamadenoreply。Richardopenedthedoorandlingereduponthethreshold。Helenrosetoherfeet。
\"Iamcoming，Dick，\"shecalledoutcheerfully。\"There’sagorgeousfireinthegunroom，andtwobigeasy-chairs，andwe’llhavejustthetimeIhavebeenlookingforwardtoallday。You’lltellmethings，won’tyou？
Shelookedverysweetasshecametowardshim，hereyesraisedtohim，herfacefulloftheonehappiness。Hepassedhisarmaroundherwaist。
\"I’lltry，dear，\"hesaid。\"Youwon’tbelonely，Philippa？\"
\"I’llcomeanddisturbyouwhenIam，\"shepromised。
Thedoorclosed。Shestoodgazingdownintothefire，listeningtotheirfootstepsastheycrossedthehall。
CHAPTERXXXI
Lessinghamstoodforamomentbythesideofthecarfromwhichhehadjustdescended，glancedatthehugetiresandthetinsofpetrollashedonbehind。
\"Nothingmoreyouwant，chauffeur？\"heasked。
\"Nothing，sir，\"wasthealmostinaudiblereply。
\"Youhavetheroutemap？\"
\"Yes，sir，andenoughpetrolforthreehundredmiles。\"
Lessinghamturnedaway，pushedopenthegate，andwalkedupthedriveofMainsailHaul。Decidedlyitwasthemomentofhislife。
Hewashard-pressed，asheknew，byothersbesidesGriffiths。A
fewhoursnowwasallthestarthecouldreasonablyexpect。Hewasfacetofacewithaveryrealandseriousdanger，whichhecouldnolongerignore，andfromwhichescapewasallthetimebecomingmoredifficult。Andyetalltheemotionalismofthisclimaxwascenteredelsewhere。ItwasfromPhilippa’slipsthathewouldhearhisrealsentence；itwasheranswerwhichwouldfillhimoncemorewiththelustforlife，orsendhimoninhisrushthroughthenightforsafety，callous，almostindifferentastoitsresult。
Hewalkedupthedrive，curiouslyathisease，inastateofsuspendedanimation，whichknewnohopeandfearednodisappointment。Justbeforehereachedthefrontdoor，theposterngateinthewallonhisleft-handsideopened，andPhilippastoodthere，muffledupinherfurcoat，framedinthefaintandshadowymoonlightagainstthebackgroundofseaboundedspace。Hemovedeagerlytowardsher。
\"Iheardthecar，\"shewhispered。\"Comeandsitdownforamoment。
Itisn’tintheleastcold，andthemoonisjustcomingupoverthesea。Icameout，\"shewenton，ashewalkedobedientlybyherside，\"becausethehousesomehowstifledme。\"
Sheledhimtoaseat。Below，thelongwaveswerebreakingthroughupontherocks，throwinglittlefountainsofsprayintotheair。
Thevillagewhichlayattheirfeetwassilentandlifeless-therewas，indeed，acuriousabsenceofsound，exceptwhentheincomingwavesbrokeupontherocksandgroundthepebblestogetherintheirlong，backwardswish。Verysoonthesleepingcountry，nowwrappedinshadows，wouldtakeformandoutlineinthelightoftherisingmoon；hedgeswoulddividethesquarefields，theblackwoodswouldtakeshapeandthehillstheirmysticsolemnity。Butthosefewminuteswereminutesofsuspense。Lessinghamwastosomeextentconsciousoftheirqueer，allegoricalsignificance。
\"Ihavecome，\"heremindedherquitesteadily，\"formyanswer。\"
Sheshowedhimthesmallbagbyhersideupontheseat，andtouchedhercloak。Shewasindeedpreparedforajourney。
\"Yousee，\"shetoldhim，\"hereIam。\"
Hisfacewassuddenlytransformed。Shewasalmostafraidoftheeffectofherwords。Shefoundherselfstrugglinginhisarms。
\"Notyet，\"shebegged。\"Pleaserememberwhereweare。\"
Hereleasedherreluctantly。Afewyardsaway，theycouldhearthesoftpurringofthesix-cylinderengine，inexorablereminderofthepassingmoments。Hecaughtherbythehand。
\"Come，\"hewhisperedpassionately。\"Everymomentisprecious。\"
Shehesitatednolonger。Theopenposterngateseemedtohimsuddenlytoleaddownthegreatthoroughfareofanewandsplendidlife。Hewastobeoneofthosefavouredfewtowhomwasgiventhedivineprize。Andthenhestoppedshort，evenwhileshewalkedwillinglybyhisside。Heknewsowelltheneedforhaste。Thegentlemurmurofthatenginewasinvitinghimallthewhile。Yetheknewtherewasonethingmorewhichmustbesaid。
\"Philippa，\"hebegan，\"youknowwhatwearedoing？Wecanescape，Ibelieve。Myflightisallwonderfullyarranged。Buttherewillbenocomingback。Itwillbealloverwhenourcarpassesoverthehillsthere。Youwillnotregret？Youcareenoughevenforthissupremesacrifice？\"
\"IshallneverreproachyouaslongasIlive，\"shepromised。\"I
havemadeupmymindtocome，andIamready。\"
\"Butitisbecauseyoucare？\"hepleadedanxiously。
\"ItisbecauseIcare，foronereason。\"
\"Inthegreatway？\"hepersisted。\"Intheonlyway？\"
Shehesitated。Hesuddenlyfeltherhandgrowcolderinhis。Hesawherframeshiverbeneathitsweightoffurs。
\"Don’taskmequitethat，\"shebeggedbreathlessly。\"BecontenttoknowthatIhavecountedthecost，andthatIamwillingtocome。\"
Hefeltthechillofimpendingdisaster。Heclosedthelittlegatethroughwhichtheyhadbeenabouttopass，andstoodwithhisbacktoit。Inthatfaintlightwhichseemedtocreepovertheworldbeforethemoonitselfwasrevealed，sheseemedtohimatthatmomentthefairest，themostdesirablethingonearth。Herfacewasupturnedtowardshis，halfpathetic，halfprotestingagainsttherevelationwhichhewasforcingfromher。
\"Listen，Philippa，\"hesaid，\"MissFaircloughwarnedmeofonething。
Iputitononeside。Itdidnotseemtobepossible。NowImustaskyouaquestion。Youhavesomeothermotive，haveyounot，forchoosingtocomeaway’withme？Itisnotonlybecauseyoulovemebetterthananyoneelseintheworld，asIdoyou，andthereforethatwebelongtooneanotheranditisrightandgoodthatweshouldspendourlivesinoneanother’scompany？Thereissomethingelse，istherenot，attherootofyourdetermination？Someally？\"
ItwasastrangemomentforPhilippa。Nothinghadalteredwithinher，andyetawonderfulpitywasglowinginherheart，tearingatheremotions，bringingasobintoherthroat。
\"Youmean-Henry？shefaltered。
=20
\"Imeanyourhusband，\"heassented。
Shewassuddenlypassionatelyangrywithherself。Itseemedtoherthatthedaysofchildishnesswereback。Shewasbehavinglikeanimbecilewhilstheplayedthegreatgame。
\"Yousee，\"hewenton，hisownvoicealittleunsteady，\"thisisoneofthosemomentsinbothourliveswhenanythingexcepttheexacttruthwouldmeanshipwreck。Youstillloveyourhusband？\"
\"Iamsuchafool！\"shesobbed，clutchingathisarm。
\"Youwerewillingtogoawaywithme，\"hecontinuedmercilessly，\"partlybecauseoftheangeryoufelttowardshim，andpartlyoutofrevenge，andjustalittlebecauseyoulikedme。Isthatnotso？\"
Herheadpresseduponhisarm。Shenodded。Itwasjustthatconvulsivemovementofherhead，withitswealthofwonderfulhairanditsplainblackmotoringhat，whichdealtthedeath-blowtohishopes。Shewasjustachildoncemore-andshetrustedhim。
\"Verywell，then，\"hesaid，\"justletmethink-foramoment。\"
Sheunderstoodenoughnottoraiseherhead。Lessinghamwasgazingoutthroughthechaoticshadowsofthedistantbanksof=20cloudsfromwhichthemoonwasrising。Alreadythepainhadbegun，andyetwithitwasthatqueersenseofexaltationwhichcomeswithsacrifice。
\"Wehavebeenverynearlyfoolish，\"hetoldher，withgravekindliness。\"Itiswell，perhaps，thatwewereintime。Thosewindowswhichleadintoyourlibrary，-throughwhichIfirstcametoyou，by-the-by，-\"headded，withastrange，reminiscentlittlesigh，\"aretheyopen？\"。
\"Yes！\"shewhispered。
\"Come，then，\"heinvited。\"BeforeIleavethereissomethingIwanttomakecleartoyou。\"
Theymadetheirwayratherliketwoconspiratorsalongthelittleterracedwalk。Philippaopenedthewindowandcloseditagainbehindthem。Theroomwasempty。Lessingham，watchingherclosely，almostgroanedashesawthewonderfulreliefinherface。Shethrewoffthecloak，andhegroanedagainasherememberedhownearlyithadbeenhistasktoremoveit。Inherplaintravellingdress，sheturnedandlookedathimverypathetically。
\"Youhave，perhaps，amorningpaperhere？\"heenquired。
\"Anewspaper？Why，yes，theTimes，\"sheanswered，alittlesurprised。
Hetookitfromthetabletowardswhichshepointed，andhelditunderthelamplight。Presentlyhecalledtoher。Hisforefingerresteduponacertaincolumn。
\"Readthis，\"hedirected。
Shereaditoutinatonewhichpassedfromsurprisetoblankwonder：
CommanderSirHenryCranston，Baronet，toreceivetheD。S。0。forspecialservices，andtobepromotedtotherankofActingRear-Admiral。
\"Whatdoesitmean？\"sheaskedfeverishly。\"Henry？AD。S。0。forHenryforspecialservices？\"
\"Itmeans，\"hetoldher，withaforcedsmile，\"thatyourhusbandis，asyouputitinyourexpressivelanguage，afraud。\"
CHAPTERXXXII
ForamomentPhilippawasunsteadyuponherfeet。Lessinghamledhertoachair。Fromoutsidecamethelow，cautioushootingofthemotorhorn，callingtoitsdilatorypassenger。
\"Icannot，ofcourse，explaineverythingtoyou，\"hebegan，inatoneofunusualrestraint，\"butIdoknowthatforthelasttwoyearsyourhusbandhasbeenresponsibletotheAdmiraltyformostoftheminefieldsaroundyoureastcoast。Tobeginwith，hisstayinScotlandwasasham。Hewasmostofthetimewiththefleetandroundthecoasts。Hisfishingexcursionsfromherehavebeenofthesameorder，onlymoreso。Alltheplacesofimportance，fromheretothemouthoftheThames，havebeenmined，orrathertheapproachestothemhavebeenmined，underhisinstructions。Mymissioninthiscountry，hereatDreymarsh-donotshrinkfrommeifyoucanhelpit-wastoobtainacopyofhismineprotectionschemeofacertaintownontheeastcoast。\"
\"WhyshouldIshrinkfromyou？\"shemurmured。\"Thisisalltoowonderful！WhatalittlebeastHenrymustthinkme！\"sheadded，withtrulyfeminineandmarvellouslyselfishirrelevance。
\"YouandMissFairclough，\"Lessinghamwenton，\"haveratherscoffedatmypresencehereonbehalfofourSecretService。Itseemedtoyoubothveryridiculous。Nowyouunderstand。\"
\"Itmakesnodifference，\"Philippaprotestedtearfully。\"Youalwaystoldusthetruth。\"
\"AndIshallcontinuetodoso，\"Lessinghamassuredher。\"Iamnotacleverpersonatmyworkwhichisallnewtome，butfortunefavouredmethenightyourhusbandwasshipwrecked。Isucceededinstealingfromhim，onboardthatwreckedtrawler，theplanoftheminefieldwhichIwassentovertoprocure。\"
\"Ofcourseyouhadtodoitifyoucould，\"Philippasobbed。\"I
thinkitwasverycleverofyou。\"
Hesmiled。
\"Thereareotherswhomightlookatthematterdifferently，\"hesaid。
\"IamgoingtoaskyouaquestionwhichIknowisunnecessary，butImusthaveyouranswertotakeawaywithme。Ifyouhadknownallthetimethatyourhusband，insteadofbeingaskulker，asyouthoughthim，wasreallydoingsplendidworkforhiscountry，youwouldnothavelistenedtomeforonemoment，wouldyou？Youwouldnothaveletmegrowtoloveyou？\"
Sheclutchedhishands。
\"Youarethedearestmanintheworld，\"sheexclaimed，herlipsstillquivering，\"but，asyousay，youknowtheanswer。IwasalwaysinlovewithHenry。ItwasbecauseIlovedhimthatIwassofurious。Ilikedyousomuchthatitwasmeanofmeevertothinkof-ofwhatsonearlyhappened。\"
\"Sonearlyhappened！\"herepeated，withasuddenaccessofthebitterestself-pity。
Oncemorethelow，warninghootofthemotorhorn，thistimealittlemoreimpatient，brokethesilence。Philippawasfilledwithanunreasoningterror。
\"Youmustgo！\"sheimplored。\"Youmustgothisminute！Iftheyweretotakeyou，Icouldn’tbearit。AndthatmanGriffiths-hehasswornthatifhecannotgettheGovernmentauthority，hewillshootyou！\"
\"GriffithshasgonetoLondon，\"heremindedher。
\"Yes，buthemaybebackbythistrain，\"shecried，glancingattheclock，\"andIhaveastrangesortoffancy-Ihavehaditallday-thatHenrymightcome，too。Itisoverduenow。Anyonemightarrivehere。Oh，please，formysake，hurryaway！\"shebegged，thetearsstreamingfromhereyes。\"Ifanythingshouldhappen，Icouldneverforgivemyself。Itisbecauseyouhavebeensodear，sotrueandhonourable，thatallthistimehasbeenwasted。Ifitweretocostyouyourlife！\"
Shewasseizedbyafitofnervousanxietywhichbecamealmostaparoxysm。Shebuttonedhiscoatforhimandalmostdraggedhimtothedoor。Andthenshestoppedforamomenttolisten。Hereyesbecamedistended。Herlipswereparted。Sheshookasthoughwithanague。
\"Itistoolate！\"shefalteredhysterically。\"IcanhearHenry’svoice！Quick！Cometothewindow。Youmustgetoutthatwayandthroughtheposterngate。\"
\"Yourhusbandwillhaveseenthecar，\"heprotested。\"Andbesides，thereisyourdressing-bagandyourtravellingcoat。\"
\"Ishalltellhimeverything，\"shedeclaredwildly。\"Nothingmattersexceptthatyouescape。Oh，hurry！IcanhearHenrytalkingtoJimmyDumble-forGod’ssake-\"
Thewordsdiedawayuponherlips。Thedoorhadbeenopenedandclosedagainimmediately。Therewasthequickturnofthelock，soundingliketheclickoffate。SirHenry，wellinsidetheroom，noddedtothembothaffably。
\"Well，Philippa？Youweren’texpectingme，eh？Hullo，Lessingham！
Notgoneyet？Runningitatriflefine，aren’tyou？\"
Lessinghamglancedtowardsthefasteneddoor。
\"Perhaps，\"headmitted，\"atrifletoofine。\"
SirHenrywassuddenlytakenbystorm。Philippahadthrownherselfintohisarms。Herfingerswerelockedaroundhisneck。Herlips，hereyes，werepleadingwithhim。
\"Henry！Henry，youmustforgiveme！Ineverknew-Ineverdreamedwhatyouwerereallydoing。Ishallneverforgivemyself，butyou-youwillbegenerous\"
\"That’sallright，dear，\"hepromised，stoopingdowntokissher。
\"Partlymyfault，ofcourse。IhadtohumourthoseoldladiesdownatWhitehall1whowantedmetoposeasaparticularlyharmlessidiot。Yousee，\"hewenton，glancingtowardsLessingham，\"theywerealwaysafraidthatmystepsmightbedoggedbyspies，ifmypositionweregenerallyknown。\"
Philippadidnotrelinquishherattitude。Shewasstillclingingtoherhusband。Sherefusedtolethimgo。
\"Henry，\"shebegged，\"oh，listentome！Ihavesomuchtoconfess，somuchofwhichIamashamed！Andyet，withitall，Iwanttoentreat-toimploreonegreatfavourfromyou。\"
SirHenrylookeddownintohiswife’sface。
\"IsitoneIcangrant？\"heaskedgravely。
\"Ifyouwantmeevertobehappyagain，youwill，\"shesobbed。
\"ForHelen’ssakeaswellasmine，helpMr。Lessinghamtoescape。\"
Lessinghamtookaquickstepforward。Hehadtheairofonewhohasreachedthelimitsofhisendurance。
\"Youmeanthiskindly，LadyCranston，Iknow，\"hesaid，\"butI
desirenointervention。\"
SirHenrypattedhiswife’shandandheldheralittleawayfromhim。Therewasacuriousbutunmistakablechangeinhisdeportment。
Hismouthhadnotaltogetherlostitshumoroustwist，buthisjawseemedmoreapparent，thelightinhiseyeswaskeener，andtherewasaringofauthorityinhistone。
\"Come，\"hesaid，\"letusunderstandoneanother，Philippa，andyouhadbetterlisten，too，Mr。Lessingham。Icanpromiseyouthatyourchancesofescapewillnotbediminishedbymytakingupthesefewminutesofyourtime。Philippa，\"hewenton，turningbacktoher，\"youhavealwaysposedasbeinganexceedinglypatrioticEnglishwoman，yetitseemstomethatyouhavemadeabargainwiththisman，knowingfullwellthathewasintheserviceofGermany，togivehimshelterandhospitalityhere，accesstomyhouseandprotectionamongstyourfriends，inreturnforcertainfavoursshowntowardsyourbrother。\"
Philippawasspeechless。ItwasaviewofthematterwhichsheandHelenhadstrivensoeagerlytoavoid。
\"But，Henry，\"sheprotested，\"hisstayhereseemedsoharmless。YouyourselfhavelaughedattheideaofespionageatDreymarsh。Thereisnothingtodiscover。Thereisnothinggoingonherewhichthewholeworldmightnotknow。\"
\"Thatwasnevermyplea，\"Lessinghamintervened。
\"Norisitthetruth，\"SirHenryaddedsternly。
TheBaronMaderstromwassenthere，Philippa，tospyuponme，togainaccessbyanymeanstothishouse，tosteal，ifhecould，certainplansandchartspreparedbyme。\"
Philippabegantotremble。Sheseemedbereftofwords。
\"Hetoldmethis，\"shefaltered。\"Hetoldmenothalfanhourago。\"
Therewasatappingatthedoor。SirHenrymovedtowardsitbutdidnotturnthekey。
\"Whoisthat？\"heasked。
\"CaptainGriffithsisherewithanescort，sir，\"Millsannounced。
\"Hehasseizedthemotorcaroutside，andhebegstobeallowedtocomein。\"
CHAPTERXXXIII
Mills’wordswereplainlyaudiblethroughouttheroom。PhilippamadeeagersignstoLessingham，pointingtotheFrenchwindows。
Lessingham，however，shookhishead。
\"Iprefer，\"hesaidgently，\"tofinishmyconversationwithyourhusband。\"’
Therewasanotherandmoreinsistentsummonsfromoutside。ThistimeitwasCaptainGriffiths’raucousvoice。
\"SirHenryCranston，\"hecalledout，\"Iamherewithauthority。I
begtobeadmitted。\"
\"Whereisyourescort？\"
\"Inthehall。\"
\"IfIletyoucomein，\"SirHenrycontinued，\"willyoucomealone？\"
\"Ishouldpreferit，\"wastheeagerreply。\"Iwishtomakethisbusinessaslittleunpleasantto-toeverybodyaspossible。\"
SirHenrysoftlyturnedthekey，openedthedoor，andadmittedGriffiths。ThemanseemedtoseenooneelsebutLessingham。Hewouldhavehastenedatoncetowardshim，butSirHenrylaidhishanduponhisarm。
\"Youmustkindlyrestrainyourimpatienceforafewmoments，\"heinsisted。\"Thisisaprivateconference。YourbusinesswiththeBaronMaderstromcanbeadjustedlater。\"
\"Itismyduty，\"Griffithsproclaimedimpatiently，\"toarrestthatmanasaspy。Ihaveauthority，grantedmethismorninginLondon。\"
\"Quiteso，\"SirHenryobserved，\"butweareinthemidstofaveryinterestinglittlediscussionwhichIintendtoconclude。Yourturnwillcomelater，CaptainGriffiths。\"
\"Icancountenancenodiscussionwithsuchmenasthat，\"Griffithsdeclaredscornfully。\"Iamhereintheexecutionofmyduty，andIresentanyinterferencewithit。\"
\"Noonewishestointerferewithyou，\"SirHenryassuredhim，\"butuntilIsaythewordyouwillobeymyorders。\"
\"SofarasIamconcerned，\"Lessinghamintervened，\"IwishittobeunderstoodthatIoffernodefence。\"
\"Youhavenodefence，\"SirHenryremindedhimsuavely。\"Igatherthatnotonlyhadyoutheeffronterytostealachartfrommypocketinthemidstofalifestruggleuponthetrawler，butyouhavecappedthisexploitwithadeliberateattempttoabductmywife。\"
Griffithsseemedforamomentalmostbesidehimself。Hiseyesglowed。Hislongfingerstwitched。HekeptedgingalittlenearertoLessingham。
\"Bothcharges，\"thelatterconfessed，lookingSirHenryintheeyes，\"aretrue。\"
ThenPhilippafoundherself。Shesawthesuddenflashinherhusband’seyes，thegrimfuryinGriffiths’face。Shesteppedoncemoreforward。
\"Henry，\"sheinsisted，\"youmustlistentowhatIhavetosay。\"
\"Wehavehadenoughwords，\"Griffithsinterposedsavagely。
SirHenryignoredtheinterruption。
\"Iamlistening，Philippa，\"hesaidcalmly。
\"ItwasmyintentionanhouragotoleavethisplacewithMr。
Lessinghamto-night，\"shetoldhimdeliberately。
\"Thedevilitwas！\"SirHenrymuttered。
\"Asforthereason，youknowit，\"shecontinued，hertonefullofcourage。\"Iamwillingtothrowmyselfatyourfeetnow，butallthesameIwashardlytreated。Iwasmadethescapegoatofyourstupidpromise。Youkeptmeinignoranceofthingsawifeshouldknow。Youevenencouragedmetobelieveyouacoward，whenasinglewordfromyouwouldhavechangedeverything。Therefore，I
saythatitisyouwhoareresponsibleforwhatInearlydid，andwhatIshouldhavedonebutforhim-listen，Henry-butforhim！\"
\"Butforhim，\"herhusbandrepeatedcuriously。
\"ItwasMr。Lessingham，\"shedeclared，\"whoopenedmyeyesconcerningyou。Itwashewhorefusedtoletmeyieldtothatimpulseofanger。
Lookatmycoatthere。Mybagisonthattable。Iwasreadytoleavewithhimto-night。Beforewewent，heinsistedontellingmeeverythingaboutyou。Hecouldhaveescaped，andIwaswillingtogowithhim。Instead，hespentthosepreciousminutestellingmethetruthaboutyou。Thatwastheend。\"
\"LadyCranstonomitstoadd，\"Lessinghamputin，\"thatbeforeIdidsoshetoldmefranklythatherfeelingsformewereofwarmfriendliness-thatherlovewasgiventoherhusband，andherhusbandonly。\"
\"Howlongisthistogoon？\"Griffithsaskedharshly。\"Ihavetheauthorityhereandthepowertotakethatman。Thesedomesticexplanationshavenothingtodowiththecase。\"
\"Excuseme，\"SirHenryretorted，withquietemphasis，\"theyhaveagreatdealtodowithit。\"
\"IamCommandantofthisplace-\"Griffithscommenced。
\"AndIpossessanauthorityherewhichyouhadbetternotdispute，\"
SirHenryremindedhimsternly。
Therewasamoment’stensesilence。Griffithssethisteethhard，buthishandwanderedtowardsthebackofhisbelt。
\"Iamnow，\"SirHenrycontinued，\"goingtoannouncetoyouapieceofnews，overwhichweshallallbegloatingwhento-morrowmorning’snewspapersareissued，butwhichisnotasyetgenerallyknown。
Duringlastnight，aconsiderablesquadronofGermancruisersmanagedtocrosstheNorthSeaandfoundtheirwaytoacertainportofconsiderableimportancetous。
Lessinghamstarted，Hisfacewasdrawnasthoughwithpain。Hehadtheairofonewhoshrinksfromthenewsheisabouttohear。
\"Incidentally，\"SirHenrycontinued，\"three-quartersofthesquadronalsofoundtheirwaytothebottomofthesea，andtheotherquartermetourownsquadron，lyinginwaitfortheirretreat，andwillnotreturn。\"
Lessinghamswayedforamomentuponhisfeet。OnecouldalmostfancythatSirHenry’stonewastingedwithpityasheturnedtowardshim。
\"Thechartoftheminefieldofwhichyoupossessedyourself，hesaid，\"whichitwastheobjectofyourvisitheretosecure，wasachartspeciallypreparedforyou。Yousee，ourownSecretServiceisnotaltogetherasleep。Thoseverysafeandinviting-lookingchannelsforBritishandAlliedtraffic-Imarkedthemveryclearly，didn’tI？-werewhereI’dlaidmymines。Thechannelswhichyourcruiserssocarefullyavoidedweretheonlysafeavenues。Soyouseewhyitis，Maderstrom，thatIhavenogrudgeagainstyou。\"
Lessingham’sfaceforamomentwasthefaceofastrickenman。
Therewasalookofdullhorrorinhiseyes。
\"Isthisthetruth？\"hegasped。
\"Itisthetruth，\"SirHenryassuredhimgravely。
\"Doesthisconcludetheexplanations？\"CaptainGriffithsdemandedimpatiently。\"Yournewsismagnificent，SirHenry。Asregardsthisfelon-\"
SirHenryhelduphishand。
\"Maderstrom’sfate，\"hesaid，\"isminetodealwithandnotyours，CaptainGriffiths。\"
Philippawasthefirsttograsptheintentionsofthemanwhowasstandingonlyafewfeetfromher。Shethrewherselfuponhisarmanddraggeddowntherevolverwhichhehadraised。SirHenry，withashoutoffury，wasuponthematonce。HetookGriffithsbythethroatandthrewhimuponthesofa。Therevolverclatteredharmlesslyontothecarpet。
\"HisMajesty’sServicehasnouseformadmen，\"hethundered。\"YouknowthatIpossesssuperiorauthorityhere。\"
\"Thatmanshallnotescape！\"Griffithsshouted。
Hestruggledforhiswhistle。SirHenrysnatcheditfromhimandpickeduptherevolverfromthecarpet。
\"Lookhere，Griffiths，\"heremonstratedseverely，\"onesinglemoveinoppositiontomywisheswillcostyouyourcareer。Lettherebenomisunderstandingaboutit。Thatmanwillnotbearrestedbyyouto-night。\"
Griffithsstaggeredtohisfeet。Hewashalfcowed，halffurious。
\"Youtaketheresponsibilityforthis，SirHenry？\"hedemandedthickly。\"Themanisaprovedtraitor。Ifyouassisthimtoescape，youaresubjecttopenalties-\"
SirHenrythrewopenthedoor。
\"CaptainGriffiths，\"heinterrupted，\"Iamnotignorantofmypositioninthismatter。Believeme，yourlastchanceofretainingyourpositionhereistorememberthatyouhavehadspecificorderstoyieldtomyauthorityinallmatters。Kindlyleavethisroomandtakeyoursoldiersbacktotheirquarters。\"
Griffithshesitatedforasinglemoment。Hehadtheappearanceofamanhalfdementedbyapassionwhichcouldfindnooutlet。Thenhelefttheroom，withoutsalute，withoutaglancetotherightortotheleft。Outinthehall，amomentlater，theyheardaharshvoiceofcommand。Thehalldoorwasopenedandclosedbehindthesoundofretreatingfootsteps。
\"SirHenry，\"Lessinghamremindedhim，\"Ihavenotaskedforyourintervention。\"
\"Mydearfellow，youwouldn’t，\"wasthepromptreply。\"AsforthelittletroublethathashappenedintheNorthSea，don’ttakeittoomuchtoheart，itwasentirelythefaultofthepeoplewhosentyouhere。\"
\"Thefaultofthepeoplewhosentmehere，\"Lessinghamrepeated。
\"Iscarcelyunderstand。\"
\"It’ssimpleenough，\"SirHenrycontinued。\"Yousee，youareaboutasfittobeaspyasPhilippa，mywifehere，istobeadetective。
Youpossesstheoneinsuperableobstacleofhavingtheinstinctsofagentleman-Come，come，\"hewenton，\"wehavenothingmoretosaytooneanother。Openthatwindowandtakethenarrowpathdowntothebeach。JimmyDumbleiswaitingforyouatthegate。HewillrowyououttoaDutchtrawlerwhichislyingevennowoffthepoint。\"
\"Youmeanmetogetaway？\"Lessinghamexclaimed，bewildered。
\"Believeme，itwillcostnothing，\"SirHenryassuredhim。\"IwasnotbluffingwhenItoldCaptainGriffithsthatIhadsupremeauthorityhere。HeknowsperfectlywellthatIamwithinmyrightsinaidingyourescape。\"
PhilippamovedswiftlytowhereLessinghamwasstanding。Shegavehimherhands。
\"Dearfriend，\"shebegged，\"sowonderfulafriendasyouhavebeen，don’trefusethislastthing。\"
\"Beasensiblefellow，Maderstrom，\"SirHenrysaid。\"Rememberthatyoucan’tdoyourselforyouradoptedcountryaha’porthofgoodbyplayingtheQuixote。\"
\"Besides，\"Philippacontinued，holdinghishandstightly，\"itis，afterall，onlyanexchange。YouhavesavedHenry’slife，setRichardfree，andbroughtushappiness。Whyshouldyouhesitatetoacceptyourownliberty？\"
SirHenrythrewopenthewindowandlookedtowardsagreenlightoutatsea。
\"There’syourtrawler，\"hepointedout，\"andrememberthetidewillturninhalfanhour。Idon’twishtohurryyou\"
LessinghamraisedPhilippa’sfingerstohislips。
\"Ishallthinkofyoubothalways，\"hesaidsimply。\"Youareverywonderfulpeople。\"
Heturnedtowardsthewindow。SirHenrytookuptheHomburghatfromthetablebyhisside。
\"Bettertakeyourhat，\"hesuggested。
Lessinghampaused，acceptedit，andlookedsteadfastlyatthedonor。
\"Youknewfromthefirst？\"heasked。
\"Fromtheveryfirst，\"SirHenryassuredhim。\"Don’tlooksoconfounded，\"hewentonconsolingly。\"Rememberthatespionageistheonlyprofessioninwhichitisanhonourtofail。\"
Philippacamealittleshylyintoherhusband’sarms，asheturnedbackintotheroom。Thetendernessinhisownface，however，andalittlecatchinhisvoice，brokedownatoncethewallofreservewhichhadgrownupbetweenthem。
\"Mydearlittlewoman！\"hemurmured。\"Mylittlesweetheart！Youdon’tknowhowI’veachedtoexplaineverythingtoyou-includingtheRussianladies。\"
\"Explainthematonce，sir！\"Philippainsisted，pretendingtodrawherfaceawayforamoment。
\"Theywerethewifeandsister-in-lawoftheRussianAdmiral，Draskieff，whowassentovertoreportuponourmethodofminelaying，\"hetoldher。
\"YouandIhavetogouptoalittledinnertheyaregivingto-morroworthenextday。
\"Oh，dear，whatanidiotIwas！\"Philippaexclaimedruefully。\"I
imagined-allsortsofthings。But，Henrydear，\"shewenton，\"doyouknowthatwehaveagreatsurpriseforyou-hereinthehouse？\"
\"Nosurprise，dear，\"heassuredher，shakinghishead。\"IknewtheveryhourthatRichardleftWittenberg。Andhereheis，byJove！\"
RichardandHelenenteredtogether。PhilippacouldnotevenwaitfortheconclusionoftheheartybutexceedinglyBritishgreetingwhichpassedbetweenthetwomen。
\"Listentome，bothofyou！\"shecriedincoherently-\"Helen，youespecially！Youneverheardanythingsowonderfulinyourlife！
Theyweren’tfishingexcursionsatall。Thereweren’tanywhiting。
Henrywaslayingminesallthetime，andhe’sblownuphalftheGermanfleet！It’sallintheTimesthismorning。He’sgotaD。S。0-
Henryhas-andhe’saRear-Admiral！Oh，Helen，Iwanttocry！\"
Thetwowomenwanderedintoafarcorneroftheroom。Richardwrunghisbrother-in-law’shand。
\"Philippaisn’texactlycoherent，\"heremarked，\"butitsoundsallright。\"
\"Yousee，\"SirHenryexplained，\"I’vebeenminelayingeversincethewarstarted。Ialwayshadideasofmyownaboutminefields，asyoumayremember。IstartedwithScotland，andthentheymovedmedownhere。TheAdmiraltythoughtthey’dbemightyclever，andtheyinsisteduponmykeepingmyjobsecret。ItledtoalittletroublewithPhilippa，butIthinkwearethroughwithallthat-
Isupposeyouknowthatthosetwoyoungwomenhavebeenengagedinaregularconspiracy，Dick？\"
\"Iknowalittle，\"Richardrepliedgravely，\"andI’msureyouwillbelievethatIwouldn’thavecountenanceditforamomentifI’dhadanyideawhattheywereupto。\"
\"I’msureyouwouldn’t，\"SirHenryagreed。\"Anyway，itledtonoharm。\"
\"Maderstrom，then，\"Richardasked，withasuddenmorecompleteapprehensionoftheaffair，\"wasoverheretospyuponyou？\"
\"That’stheticket，\"SirHenryassented。
Richardfrowned。
\"AndhebribedPhilippaandHelenwithmyliberty！\"
\"Don’tyouworryaboutthat，\"hisbrother-in-lawbegged。\"TheymusthaveknownbyinstinctthatachaplikeMaderstromcouldn’tdoanyharm。\"
\"Whereishenow？\"Richardaskedeagerly。\"Heleninsisteduponkeepingmeoutofthewaybutwe’veheardallsortsofrumours。TheCommandanthasbeenuphereafterhim，hasn’the？\"
\"Yes，andIsenthimawaywithafleainhisear！Idon’tlikethefellow。\"
\"AndMaderstrom？\"
\"Thepseudo-Mr。Lessingham，eh？\"SirHenryobserved。\"Well，totellyouthetruth，Dick，ifthereisonepersonIamalittlesorryforinthehistoryofthelastfewweeks，it’sMaderstrom。\"
\"You，too？\"Richardexclaimed。\"Why，everyoneseemscrazyaboutthefellow。\"
SirHenrynodded。
\"Irememberhiminyourcollegedays，Dick。Hewasagentlemanandagoodsort，onlyunfortunatelyhismotherwasaGerman。HedidhisbitofsoldieringwiththePrussianGuardsatthebeginningofthewar，gotaknockandvolunteeredfortheSecretService。Theysenthimoverhere。Thefellowmusthavenoendofpluck，for，asIdaresayyouknow，theylethimdownfromtheobservationcarofaZeppelin。Hefindshiswayhereallright，makeshissillylittlebargainwithourdearbutgulliblewomenkind，andsetshimselftowatch-towatchme，mind。Thewholeaffairistooridiculouslytransparent。Foratimehecan’tbringhimselfeventotouchmypapershere，although，asithappens，theywouldn’thavedonehimtheleastbitofgood。ItwasonlythestressandexcitementoftheshipwrecklastweekthatheventuredtostealthechartwhichIhadsocarefullypreparedforhim。Ireallythink，ifhehadn’tdonethat，Ishouldhavehadtoslipitintohispocketorabsolutelyforceituponhimsomehow。Hesendsitofflikealambandbeholdtheresult！We’vecrippledtheGermanNavyfortherestofthewar。\"
\"Itwasafakedchart，then，ofcourse？\"Richarddemandedbreathlessly。
\"AndquitethecleverestIeverprepared，\"SirHenryacknowledged。
\"IcanassureyouthatitwouldhavetakeninVonTirpitzhimself，ifhe’dgotholdofit。\"
\"ButwhereisMaderstromnow，sir？\"Richardasked。
SirHenrymovedhisheadtowardsthewindow，wherePhilippa，forthelastfewmoments，hadsoftlytakenherplace。Hereyeswerewatchingagreenlightbobbingupanddowninthedistance。Suddenlyshegavealittleexclamation。
\"It’smoving！\"shecried。\"He’soff！\"
\"He’ssafeonaDutchtrawler，\"SirHenrydeclared。\"AndIthink，\"
headded，movingtowardsthesideboard，\"it’stimeyouandIhadadrinktogether，Dick。\"
Theyhelpedthemselvestowhiskyandsoda。Therewerestillmanyexplanationstobegiven。Half-concealedbythecurtain，Philippastoodwithhereyesturnedseawards。Thegreenlightwasdimmernow，andthelow，blackoutlineofthetrawlercreptslowlyovertheglitteringtrackofmoonlight。Shegavealittlestartasitcameintosight。Therewasasobinherthroat，tearsburninginhereyes。Herfingersclutchedthecurtainsalmostpassionately。
Shestoodtherewatchinguntilhereyesached。Thenshefeltanarmaroundherwaistandherhusband’swhisperinherear。
Ihaven’tletyouwandertoofar，haveI，Phil？\"
Sheturnedquicklytowardshim，eagerforthecomfortofhisextendedarms。Herfacewasburiedinhisshoulder。
\"Youknow，\"shemurmured。
