September of drifting clouds and unbroken rain that
Stella spoke at length of a resolution that had been gradually forming
in her mind. She found no difficulty in speaking; in fact it seemed the
natural thing to do. And she felt even as she gave utterance to the
words that Mrs. Ralston already knew their import.

"Mary," she said, "after Christmas I am going back to England."

Mrs. Ralston betrayed no surprise. She was in the midst of an elaborate
darn in the heel of a silk sock. She looked across at Stella gravely.

"And when you get there, my dear?" she said.

"I shall find some work to do." Stella spoke with the decision of one
who gives utterance to the result of careful thought. "I think I shall
go in for hospital training. It is hard work, I know; but I am strong. I
think hard work is what I need."

Mrs. Ralston was silent.

Stella went on. "I see now that I made a mistake in ever coming out
here. It wasn't as if Tommy really wanted me. He doesn't, you know. His
friend Captain Monck is all-sufficing--and probably better for him. In
any case--he doesn't need me."

"You may be right, dear," Mrs. Ralston said, "though I doubt if Tommy
would view it in the same light. I am glad anyhow that you will spend
Christmas out here. I shall not lose you so soon."

Stella smiled a little. "I don't want to hurt Tommy's feelings, and I
know they would be hurt if I went sooner. Besides I would like to have
one cold weather out here."

"And why not?" said Mrs. Ralston. She added after a moment, "What will
you do with Peter?"

Stella hesitated. "That is one reason why I have not come to a decision
sooner. I don't like leaving poor Peter. It occurred to me possibly that
down at Kurrumpore he might find another master. Anyway, I shall tell
him my plans when I get there, and he will have the opportunity"--she
smiled rather sadly--"to transfer his devotion to someone else."

"He won't take it," said Mrs. Ralston with conviction. "The fidelity of
these men is amazing. It puts us to shame."

"I hate the thought of parting with him," Stella said. "But what can I
do?"

She broke off short as the subject of their discussion came softly into
the room, salver in hand. He gave her a telegram and stood back
decorously behind her chair while she opened it.

Mrs. Ralston's grave eyes watched her, and in a moment Stella looked up
and met them. "From Kurrumpore," she said.

Her face was pale, but her hands and voice were steady.