She turned from him, revolver in hand, but paused and in a moment turned
back.

"Captain Monck, you heard what I said, didn't you? You will go straight
to bed?"

Her voice held a hint of pleading, despite its insistence. He
straightened himself in his chair. He was still looking at her with an
odd wonder in his eyes--wonder that was mixed with a very unusual touch
of reverence.

"I will do--whatever you wish," he said.

"Thank you," said Stella. "Then please let me find you in bed when I
come back!"

She turned once more to go, went to the door and opened it. From the
threshold she glanced back.

He was on his feet, gazing after her with the eyes of a man in a
trance.

She lifted her hand. "Now remember!" she said, and with that passed
quietly out, closing the door behind her.

Her brain was in a seething turmoil and her heart was leaping within her
like a wild thing suddenly caged. But, very strangely, all fear had
departed from her.