“Please do not discourage such a delightful suggestion,” Lessingham begged eagerly.

“I haven't the least idea of doing so,” Helen laughed, “so long as I may have—say just ten minutes to talk about Dick.”

“It is a bargain,” he promised.

“We shall be quite alone,” Philippa warned him, “unless Henry arrives.”

“It is the great attraction of your invitation,” he confessed.

“At eight o'clock, then.”

[ [!-- H2 anchor --] ]

CHAPTER IX

“Captain Griffiths to see your ladyship.”

Philippa's fingers rested for a moment upon the keyboard of the piano before which she was seated, awaiting Lessingham's arrival. Then she glanced at the clock. It was ten minutes to eight.