"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.