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speak for a moment, then shook her head.
‘No, I won’t,’ she said.
But on Sunday at tea-time she surprised Philip. ‘I don’t
think I’ll come to church this evening,’ she said suddenly.
‘I’ve really got a dreadful headache.’
Mrs. Carey, much concerned, insisted on giving her
some ‘drops’ which she was herself in the habit of using.
Miss Wilkinson thanked her, and immediately after tea an-
nounced that she would go to her room and lie down.
‘Are you sure there’s nothing you’ll want?’ asked Mrs.
Carey anxiously.
‘Quite sure, thank you.’
‘Because, if there isn’t, I think I’ll go to church. I don’t of-
ten have the chance of going in the evening.’
‘Oh yes, do go.’
‘I shall be in,’ said Philip. ‘If Miss Wilkinson wants any-
thing, she can always call me.’
‘You’d better leave the drawing-room door open, Philip,
so that if Miss Wilkinson rings, you’ll hear.’
‘Certainly,’ said Philip.
So after six o’clock Philip was left alone in the house with
Miss Wilkinson. He felt sick with apprehension. He wished
with all his heart that he had not suggested the plan; but it
was too late now; he must take the opportunity which he
had made. What would Miss Wilkinson think of him if he
did not! He went into the hall and listened. There was not a
sound. He wondered if Miss Wilkinson really had a head-
ache. Perhaps she had forgotten his suggestion. His heart
beat painfully. He crept up the stairs as softly as he could,