"
They gossiped for a time over acquaintances and relations, made
their plans for the week--Richard must report at the War Office at
once.
Philippa grew more and more silent as the meal drew to a close. It
was at Helen's initiative that they left Richard alone for a moment
over his port. She kept her arm through her friend's as they
crossed the hall into the drawing-room, and closed the door behind
them. Philippa stood upon the hearth rug. Already her mouth had
come together in a straight line. Her eyes met Helen's defiantly.
"I know exactly what you are going to say, Helen," she began, "and
I warn you that it will be of no use."
Helen drew up a small chair and seated herself before the fire.
"Are you going away with Mr. Lessingham, Philippa?" she asked.
"I am," was the calm response. "I made up my mind this afternoon.
We are leaving to-night."
Helen stretched out one foot to the blaze.
"Motoring?" she enquired.
"Naturally," Philippa replied. "You know there are no trains
leaving here to-night."
"You'll have a cold ride," Helen remarked. "I should take your
heavy fur coat."
Philippa stared at her companion.
"You don't seem much upset, Helen!"
"I think," Helen declared, looking up, "that nothing that has
ever happened to me in my life has made me more unhappy, but I
can see that you have reasoned it all out, and there is not a
single argument I could use which you haven't already discounted.
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