Yet at that moment a darker
thought crossed his mind. Lessingham, he realised, was not a rival,
after all, to be despised. He was a man of courage and tact, even
though Sir Henry, in his own mind, had labelled him as a fool. If
indeed he were coming back to Dreymarsh, what could it be for? How
much had Philippa known about him? He stood there for a few moments
in indecision. A great impulse had come to him to break his pledge,
to tell her the truth. Then he made his disturbed way into the
breakfast room.
"Where's your mother, Nora?" he asked, as Helen took Philippa's
place at the head of the table.
"She wants some coffee and toast sent up to her room." Nora
explained. "The wind made her giddy."
Sir Henry breakfasted in silence, rang the bell, and ordered his car.
"You going away again, Daddy?" Nora asked.
"I am going to London this morning," he replied, a little absently.
"To London?" Helen repeated. "Does Philippa know?"
"I haven't told her yet."
Helen turned towards Nora.
"I wish you'd run up and see if your mother wants any more coffee,
there's a dear," she suggested.
Nora acquiesced at once. As soon as she had left the room, Helen
leaned over and laid her hand upon Sir Henry's arm.
"Don't go to London, Henry," she begged.
"But my dear Helen, I must," he replied, a little curtly.
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