"I assure you, Philip, it went to my heart to see that fragile girl struggling with that big woman. I would have helped her, but she entreated me to go, and so I came away. What else could I do?"
"Nothing, I suppose. There may be murder committed in that house any day, if this state of things goes on."
Lady Ashley sighed. Sir Philip walked about the room, with his hands in his pockets and his head bent on his breast.
"Margaret Adair had been there to-day," said his mother, watching him.
Sir Philip looked up.
"Why?" he said, keenly.
"To take a singing lesson. She had brought flowers. Miss Colwyn spoke of her very warmly, and when I touched on the subject of Miss Polehampton's treatment, would not allow that Margaret had anything to do with it. She is a very faithful little person, I should think."
"Far more generous than Margaret," muttered her son. Then, sombrely, "I never told you what happened at Helmsley Court the other day. Margaret refused me."
"Refused you—entirely?"
"No appeal possible."