I had to humour those old ladies down at Whitehall who wanted me to pose as a particularly harmless idiot.

You see," he went on, glancing towards Lessingham, "they were always afraid that my steps might be dogged by spies, if my position were generally known." Philippa did not relinquish her attitude.

She was still clinging to her husband.

She refused to let him go.
"Henry," she begged, "oh, listen to me! I have so much to confess, so much of which I am ashamed! And yet, with it all, I want to entreat--to implore one great favour from you." Sir Henry looked down into his wife's face.
"Is it one I can grant ?" he asked gravely.
"If you want me ever to be happy again, you will," she sobbed.

"For Helen's sake as well as mine, help Mr.Lessingham to escape." Lessingham took a quick step forward.