“I haven't told her yet.”
Helen turned towards Nora.
“I wish you'd run up and see if your mother wants any more coffee, there's a dear,” she suggested.
Nora acquiesced at once. As soon as she had left the room, Helen leaned over and laid her hand upon Sir Henry's arm.
“Don't go to London, Henry,” she begged.
“But my dear Helen, I must,” he replied, a little curtly.
“I wouldn't if I were you,” she persisted. “You know, you've tried Philippa very high lately, and she is in an extremely emotional state. She is all worked up about last night, and I wouldn't leave her alone if I were you.”
Sir Henry's blue eyes seemed suddenly like points of steel as he leaned towards her.
“You think that she is in love with that fellow Lessingham?” he asked bluntly.
“No, I don't,” Helen replied, “but I think she is more furious with you than you believe. For months you have acted—well, how shall I say?”