the way of ambition, and he should continue to follow it, unhindered by
any thought of her. She was dependent upon no man. She would pick up the
threads of her own life and weave of it something that should be worth
while. With the return of health this resolution was forming within her.
Mrs. Ralston's influence was making itself felt. She believed that the
way would open out before her as she went. She had made one great
mistake. She would never make such another. She would be patient. It
might be in time that to her, even as to her friend, a blossoming might
come out of the barren soil in which her life was cast.




CHAPTER IV

THE SUMMONS


During those months spent at Bhulwana with the surgeon's wife a measure
of peace did gradually return to Stella. She took no part in the
gaieties of the station, but her widow's mourning made it easy for her
to hold aloof. Undoubtedly she earned Lady Harriet's approval by so
doing, but Mrs. Ermsted continued to look at her askance,
notwithstanding the fact that her small daughter had developed a warm
liking for the sister of her beloved Tommy.

"Wait till she gets back to Kurrumpore," said Mrs. Ermsted. "We shall
see her in her true colours then."

She did not say this to Mrs. Ralston. She visited The Grand Stand less