But I tell you he's all
right. I didn't think so at first. I thought the same as you do. But
somehow that suspicion has got worn out. It was pretty beastly while it
lasted, but I came to my senses at last. And I've been to tell him so.
He was jolly decent about it, though he didn't tell me a thing. I didn't
want him to. Besides, he always is decent. How could he be otherwise?
And now we're just as we were--friends."

There was no mistaking the satisfaction in Tommy's voice. He even spoke
with pride, and hearing it, Stella withdrew herself slowly and wearily
from his arms.

"It's rather different for you, Tommy," she said. "A man's standards are
different, I know. There may be what you call extenuating
circumstances--though I can't quite imagine it. I'm too tired to argue
about it, Tommy dear, and you mustn't be vexed with me. I can't go into
it with you, but I feel as if it is I--I myself--who have committed an
awful sin. And it has got to be expiated, perhaps that is why my baby
is to be taken from me. Bernard says it is not so. But then--Bernard is
a man too." There was a sound of heartbreak in her voice as she ended.
She put up her hands with a gesture as of trying to put away some
monstrous thing that threatened to crush her--a gesture that went
straight to Tommy's warm heart.

"Oh, poor old girl!" he said impulsively, and took the hands into his
own. "I say, ought I to be in here? Aren't you supposed to be resting?"

She smiled at him wanly. "I believe I am. Major Ralston left a soothing
draught, but I wouldn't take it, in case--" she broke off. "Peter is on
guard as well as _Ayah_, and he has promised to call me if--if--" Again
she stopped. "I don't think _Ayah_ is much good," she resumed. "She was
nearly frightened out of her senses last night. She seems to think there
is something--supernatural about it. But Peter--Peter is a tower of
strength. I trust him implicitly."

"Yes, he's a good chap," said Tommy. "I'm glad you've got him anyway. I
wish I could be more of a help to you."

She leaned forward and kissed him. "You are very dear to me, Tommy. I
don't know what I should do without you and Bernard."

"Where is the worthy padre?" asked Tommy.

"He may be working in his room. He is certainly not far away. He never
is nowadays."

"I'll go and find him," said Tommy. "But look here, dear! Have that
draught of Ralston's and lie down! Just to please me!"

She began to refuse, but Tommy could be very pers