She turned to the Major. "How long is it since you have seen—Francis?" she asked him.
"I——" he replied, rather taken aback, "I think it must be about a fortnight."
"Will you go and see him now—and then when you have spoken to him, will you come back to me here?"
"Certainly, if you wish it," he replied wonderingly.
The doctor led the way and the Major followed him, and they walked up-stairs without speaking.
Philippa moved to the window, and stood there looking out, her hands lightly clasped in front of her—motionless, her eyes gazing across the sunlit park.
And so she waited, until after the lapse of about ten minutes the two men returned.
As they entered the room she stepped quickly forward, and before either of them could speak she said—
"Before you say anything, I want to tell you that I have quite decided. Thank you," she made a gesture to the Major, "for all you said. I know you mean to be kind, in telling me of the difficulties, but I have quite decided. If it is a mistake—well, I am content to abide by it; but as it seems possible for me to bring a little happiness to Francis, I am going to do it."
This time it was the Major who did not answer. He was standing by the fireplace with his eyes on the hearthstone, and his face was working under the stress of some emotion. In his hand he held a small bunch of violets.