Lessingham. I can promise you that
your chances of escape will not be diminished by my taking up these
few minutes of your time. Philippa," he went on, turning back to
her, "you have always posed as being an exceedingly patriotic
Englishwoman, yet it seems to me that you have made a bargain with
this man, knowing full well that he was in the service of Germany,
to give him shelter and hospitality here, access to my house and
protection amongst your friends, in return for certain favours
shown towards your brother."
Philippa was speechless. It was a view of the matter which she and
Helen had striven so eagerly to avoid.
"But, Henry," she protested, "his stay here seemed so harmless. You
yourself have laughed at the idea of espionage at Dreymarsh. There
is nothing to discover. There is nothing going on here which the
whole world might not know."
"That was never my plea," Lessingham intervened.
"Nor is it the truth," Sir Henry added sternly.
"The Baron Maderstrom was sent here, Philippa, to spy upon me, to
gain access by any means to this house, to steal, if he could,
certain plans and charts prepared by me."
Philippa began to tremble. She seemed bereft of words.
"He told me this," she faltered. "He told me not half an hour ago."
There was a tapping at the door. Sir Henry moved towards it but
did not turn the key.
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