CHAPTER XXVII 

Philippa and Helen looked at one another a little dolefully across the luncheon table. 

"I supposes one misses the child," Helen said. 

"I feel too depressed for words," Philippa admitted. 

"A few days ago," Helen reminded her companion, "we were getting all the excitement that was good for any one." 

"And a little more," Philippa agreed. "I don't know why things seem so flat now. We really ought to be glad that nothing terrible has happened." 

"What with Henry and Mr. Lessingham both away," Helen continued, "and Captain Griffiths not coming near the place, we really have reverted to the normal, haven't we? I wonder--if Mr. Lessingham has gone back." 

"I do not think so," Philippa murmured. 

Helen frowned slightly. 

"Personally," she said, with some emphasis, "I hope that he has." 

"If we are considering the personal point of view only," Philippa retorted, "I hope that he has not." 

Helen looked her disapproval. 

"I should have thought that you had had enough playing with fire," she observed. 

"One never has until one has burned one's fingers," Philippa sighed. "I know perfectly well what is the matter with you," she continued severely. "You are fretting because curried chicken is Dick's favourite dish." 

"I am not such a baby," Helen protested. "All the same, it does make one think. I wonder--" 

"I know exactly what you were going to say," Philippa interrupted. "You were going to say that you wondered whether Mr. Lessingham would keep his promise." 

"Whether he would be able to," Helen corrected. "It does seem so impossible, doesn't it?" 
What was Dick's favorite meal?
Who does this worry?
Who hopes that Lessingham has returned?
Does Philippa agree?
Out of what consideration?
Where were the two talking?
Were they cheerful?
Whom did they miss?
What is the child's name?
Is Lessingham the only one gone?
Who else is gone?
Who won't come near?
How does Philippa feel?
Who says the other has played with fire?
Has Philippa had enough of it?
Does Helen deny being something?
What?
What does she wonder about Lessingham?
To do what?
Does it seem likely to her?
curried chicken
curried chicken
Helen
Helen
Helen
Helen
no
I hope that he has not
personal point of view
 personal point of view 
across the luncheon table
across the luncheon table
no
feel too depressed for word
the child
 the child
Henry
 Henry
no
 Henry and Mr. Lessingham both away
Henry
 Henry
Captain Griffiths
Captain Griffiths
depressed
depressed
Helen
Helen
unknown
unknown
yes
"I am not such a baby,"
a baby
a baby
Whether he would be able to
Whether he would be able to
keep his promise
keep his promise
no
It does seem so impossible, doesn't it?