The bloodthirstiness
of it all sickened me. I fought at Ypres, but I think that it was
something of the courage of despair, of black misery. I was wounded
again and decorated. I suppose I shall never be fit for the front
again. I tried to turn to account some of my knowledge of England
and English life. Then they sent me here."
"Here, of all places in the world!" Philippa repeated wonderingly.
"Just look at us! We have a single line of railway, a perfectly
straightforward system of roads, the ordinary number of soldiers
being trained, no mysteries, no industries--nothing. What terrible
scheme are you at work upon, Mr. Lessingham?"
He smiled.
"Between you and me," he confided, "I am not at all sure that I am
not here on a fool's errand--at least I thought so when I arrived."
She glanced up at him.
"And why not now?"
He made no answer, but their eyes met and Philippa looked hurriedly
away. There was a moment's queer, strained silence. Before them
loomed up the outline of Mainsail Haul.
"You will come in and have some tea, won't you?" she invited.
"If I may. Believe me," he added, "it has only been a certain
diffidence that has kept me away so long."
She made no reply, and they entered the house together. They found
Helen and Nora, with three or four young men from the Depot, having
tea in the drawing-room.
Pages:
59
60
61
62
63
64
65
66
67
68
69
70
71
72
73
74
75
76
77
78
79
80
81
82
83