Page:Watts Mumford--Whitewash.djvu/143

 can't you trust me? I thought you said you did, implicitly."

He appeared to hesitate, then abruptly signalled a passing hansom.

"You will drive with me, Philippa?" he said, with sudden authority. "I will tell you, but we must be alone. You can spare me an hour? It's now half-past five."

Philippa considered a moment. "Very well. Tell him to drive round the Park; it's so dark we won't be noticed."

She stepped lightly into the carriage, putting her skirts into place as she settled back and affectionately making room for him. He gave his orders and leaped in beside her with the athletic ease she so much admired.

"Now, what is it?" she demanded, as the hansom jerked forward.

"Not yet. It's a horrid story, and I hate to say anything."

"Get it over with then," she suggested, archly.

"I am going away soon," he said, slowly, "very soon. There are so many reasons why I should. I wonder I have stayed so long. Wis- 133