"He is a nice boy," observed Mrs. Ralston. "I wish he could have got
longer leave. It would have comforted Stella to have him."

"I suppose she can go down to him at Kurrumpore if she doesn't mind
sacrificing that rose-leaf complexion," rejoined Mrs. Ermsted, shutting
her matchbox with a spiteful click. "You stayed down last hot weather."

"Gerald was not well and couldn't leave his post," said Mrs. Ralston.
"That was different. I felt he needed me."

"And so you nearly killed yourself to satisfy the need," commented Mrs.
Ermsted. "I sometimes think you are rather a fine woman, notwithstanding
appearances." She glanced at the watch on her wrist. "By Jove, how late
it is! Your latest _protégée_ will be here immediately. You must have
been aching to tell me to go for the last half-hour. You silly saint!
Why didn't you?"

"I have no wish for you to go, dear," responded Mrs. Ralston tranquilly.
"All my visitors are an honour to my house."

Mrs. Ermsted sprang to her feet with a swift, elastic movement. "Mary, I
love you!" she said. "You are a ministering angel, faithful friend, and
priceless counsellor, all combined. I laugh at you for a frump behind
your back, but when I am with you, I am spellbound with admiration. You
are really superb."

"Thank you, dear," said Mrs. Ralston.

She returned the impulsive kiss bestowed upon her with a funny look in
her blue eyes that might almost have been compassionate if it had not