The voices around him were still a little tangled, but the hand which held a steaming tumbler to his lips was Philippa's. “Drink it all,” she begged. He felt the tears come into his eyes, felt the warm blood streaming through his body, felt a little wet patch at the back of the calf of his leg, and the hand which set down the empty tumbler was almost steady. “There's a hot bath ready,” Philippa told him; “some dry clothes, and a bedroom with a fire in. Do let Mills show you the way.” He rose at once, prepared to follow her. His feet were not quite so steady as he would have wished, but he made a very presentable show. Mills, with a little apology, held out his arm. Philippa walked by his other side. “As soon as you have finished your bath and got into some dry clothes,” Philippa whispered, “please ring, or send Mills to let us know.” He was even able to smile at her. “I am quite all right,” he assured her once more. CHAPTER XXV Philippa, unusually early on the following morning, glanced at the empty breakfast table with a little air of disappointment, and rang the bell. “Mills,” she enquired, “is no one down?” “Sir Henry is, I believe, on the beach, your ladyship,” the man answered, “and Miss Helen and Miss Nora are with him.” “And Mr. Lessingham?” “Mr. Lessingham, your ladyship,” Mills continued, looking carefully behind him as though to be sure that the door was closed, “has disappeared.” “Disappeared?” Philippa repeated. “What do you mean, Mills?” “I left Mr. Lessingham last night, your ladyship,” Mills explained, “in a suit of the master's clothes and apparently preparing for bed--I should say this morning, as it was probably about two o'clock. I called him at half past eight, as desired, and found the room empty. The bed had not been slept in.” “Was there no note or message?” Philippa asked incredulously. “Nothing, your ladyship. One of the maid servants believes that she heard the front door open at five o'clock this morning.” “Ring up the hotel,” Philippa instructed, “and see if he is there.” Mills departed to execute his commission. Philippa stood looking out of the window, across the lawn and shrubbery and down on to the beach. There was still a heavy sea, but it was merely the swell from the day before. The wind had dropped, and the sun was shining brilliantly. Sir Henry, Helen, and Nora were strolling about the beach as though searching for something. About fifty yards out, the wrecked trawler was lying completely on its side, with the end of one funnel visible. Scattered groups of the villagers were examining it from the sands. In due course Mills returned.