THE BARREN SOIL No one could look askance at poor Ralph Dacre's young widow.

Lady Harriet Mansfield graciously hinted as much when she paid her state call within a week of her arrival.

Also, she desired to ascertain Stella's plans for the future, and when she heard that she intended to return to Kurrumpore with Mrs.Ralston she received the news with a species of condescending approval that seemed to indicate that Stella's days of probation were past.

With the exercise of great care and circumspection she might even ultimately be admitted to the fortunate circle which sunned itself in the light of Lady Harriet's patronage.
Tommy elevated his nose irreverently when the august presence was withdrawn and hoped that Stella would not have her head turned by the royal favour.

He prophesied that Mrs.Burton would be the next to come simpering round, and in this he was not mistaken; but Stella did not receive this visitor, for on the following day she was in bed with an attack of fever that prostrated her during the rest of his leave.
It was not a dangerous illness, and Mrs.Ralston nursed her through it with a devotion that went far towards cementing the friendship already begun between them.