out her hand and took one from the basket by her side.

"Better give him this," she said, handing it over to Helen. "It is
one of Henry's which I was mending.--Stop!"

She put up her finger. They all listened.

"The car!" Philippa exclaimed, rising hastily to her feet. "That
is Henry! Go out with Mr. Lessingham, Helen," she continued, "and
wait until he is ready. Don't forget that he is an ordinary caller,
and bring him in presently."

Helen nodded understandingly and hurried out.

Philippa moved a few steps towards the other door. In a moment it
was thrown open. Nora appeared, with her arm through her father's.

"I went to meet him, Mummy," she explained. "No uniform--isn't it
a shame!"

Sir Henry patted her cheek and turned to greet his wife. There was
a shadow upon his bronzed, handsome face as he watched her rather
hesitating approach.

"Sorry I couldn't catch your train, Phil," he told her. "I had to
make a call in the city so I came down from Liverpool Street. Any
luck?"

She held his hands, resisting for the moment his proffered embrace.