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.

"From Tommy?" questioned Mrs. Ralston.

"No. From Captain Monck. Tommy is ill--very ill. Malaria again. He
thinks I had better go to him."

"Oh, my dear!" Mrs. Ralston's exclamation held dismay.

Stella met it by holding out to her the message. "Tommy down with
malaria," it said. "Condition serious. Come if you are able. Monck."

Mrs. Ralston rose. She seemed to be more agitated than Stella. "I shall
go too," she said.

"No, dear, no!" Stella stopped her. "There is no need for that. I shall
be all right. I am perfectly strong now, stronger than you are. And they
say malaria never attacks newcomers so badly. No. I will go alone. I
won't be answerable to your husband for you. Really, dear, really, I am
in earnest."