whispered tremulously, "thank you for telling me that."

But though she was deeply stirred, no further confidence could she bring
herself to utter. She had found a friend--a close, staunch friend who
would never fail her; but not even to her could she show the blackness
of the gulf into which she had been hurled. Even now there were times
when she seemed to be still falling, falling, and always, waking or
sleeping, the nightmare horror of it clung cold about her soul.




CHAPTER III

THE BARREN SOIL


No one could look askance at poor Ralph Dacre's young widow. Lady
Harriet Mansfield graciously hinted as much when she paid her state call
within a week of her arrival. Also, she desired to ascertain Stella's
plans for the future, and when she heard that she intended to return to
Kurrumpore with Mrs. Ralston she received the news with a species of
condescending approval that seemed to indicate that Stella's days of
probation were past. With the exercise of great care and circumspection
she might even ultimately be admitted to the fortunate circle which
sunned itself in the light of Lady Harriet's patronage.

Tommy elevated his nose irreverently when the august presence was
withdrawn and hoped that Stella would not have her head turned by the
royal favour. He prophesied that Mrs. Burton would be the next to come