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.
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