But gradually his strength helped her to recover. She looked up at
length with a quivering smile. "There! I am going to be sensible. You
must be worn out too. I can see you are. Sit down, won't you, and let us
forget this?"

He met her look steadily. "No, I can't forget," he said. "But I shan't
pester you. I don't believe in pestering any one. I shouldn't have done
it now, only--" he broke off faintly smiling--"it's all Tommy's fault,
confound him!" he said, and rose, giving her shoulder a pat that was
somehow more reassuring to her than any words.

She laughed rather tremulously. "Poor Tommy! Now please sit down and
have a rational meal! You are looking positively gaunt. It will be
Tommy's and my turn to nurse you next if you are not careful."

He pulled up a chair and seated himself. "What a pleasing suggestion!
But I doubt if Tommy's assistance will be very valuable to any one for
some little time to come. No milk in that coffee, please. I will have
some brandy."

Looking back upon that early breakfast, Stella smiled to herself though
not without misgiving. For somehow, in spite of what had preceded it, it
was a very light-hearted affair. She had never seen Monck in so genial a
mood. She had not believed him capable of it. For though he looked
wretchedly ill, his spirits were those of a conqueror.

Doubtless he regarded the turn in Tommy's illness as a distinct and
personal victory. But was that his only cause for triumph? She wished
she knew.