|
Main
- books.jibble.org
My Books
- IRC Hacks
Misc. Articles
- Meaning of Jibble
- M4 Su Doku
- Computer Scrapbooking
- Setting up Java
- Bootable Java
- Cookies in Java
- Dynamic Graphs
- Social Shakespeare
External Links
- Paul Mutton
- Jibble Photo Gallery
- Jibble Forums
- Google Landmarks
- Jibble Shop
- Free Books
- Intershot Ltd
|
books.jibble.org
Previous Page
| Next Page
Page 17
CHAPTER V
Philippa's breakdown was only momentary. With a few brusque words
she brought the other two down to the level of her newly recovered
equanimity.
"To be practical," she began, "we have no time to lose. I will go
and get a suit of Dick's clothes, and, Helen, you had better take
Mr. Lessingham into the gun room. Afterwards, perhaps you will have
time to ring up the hotel."
Lessingham took a quick step towards her,--almost as though he were
about to make some impetuous withdrawal. Philippa turned and met his
almost pleading gaze. Perhaps she read there his instinct of
self-abnegation.
"I am in command of the situation," she continued, a little more
lightly. "Every one must please obey me. I shan't be more than
five minutes."
She left the room, waving back Lessingham's attempt to open the
door for her. He stood for a moment looking at the place where
she had vanished. Then he turned round.
"Major Felstead's description," he said quietly, "did not do his
sister justice."
"Philippa is a dear," Helen declared enthusiastically. "Just for
a moment, though, I was terrified. She has a wonderful will."
"How long has she been married?"
"About six years."
"Are there--any children?"
Helen shook her head.
"Sir Henry had a daughter by his first wife, who lives with us."
"Six years!" Lessingham repeated. "Why, she seems no more than a
child. Sir Henry must be a great deal her senior."
"Sixteen years," Helen told him. "Philippa is twenty-nine. And now,
don't be inquisitive any more, please, and come with me. I want to
show you where to change your clothes."
She opened a door on the other side of the room, and pointed to a
small apartment across the passage.
"If you'll wait in there," she begged, "I'll bring the clothes to
you directly they come. I am going to telephone now."
"So many thanks," he answered. "I should like a pleasant bedroom
and sitting room, and a bathroom if possible. My luggage you will
find already there. A friend in London has seen to that."
She looked at him curiously.
"You are very thorough, aren't you?" she remarked.
"The people of the country whom it is my destiny to serve all are,"
he replied. "One weak link, you know, may sometimes spoil the
mightiest chain."
She closed the door and took up the telephone.
"Number three, please," she began. "Are you the hotel? The manager?
Good! I am speaking for Lady Cranston. She wishes a sitting-room,
bedroom and bath-room reserved for a friend of ours who is arriving
to-day--a Mr. Hamar Lessingham. You have his luggage already, I
believe. Please do the best you can for him.--Certainly.--Thank
you very much."
She set down the receiver. The door was quickly opened and shut.
Philippa reappeared, carrying an armful of clothes.
"Why, you've brought his grey suit," Helen cried in dismay, "the
one he looks so well in!"
Previous Page
| Next Page
|
|