CHAPTER V


Philippa's breakdown was only momentary. With a few brusque words
she brought the other two down to the level of her newly recovered
equanimity.

"To be practical," she began, "we have no time to lose. I will go
and get a suit of Dick's clothes, and, Helen, you had better take
Mr. Lessingham into the gun room. Afterwards, perhaps you will have
time to ring up the hotel."

Lessingham took a quick step towards her,--almost as though he were
about to make some impetuous withdrawal. Philippa turned and met his
almost pleading gaze. 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