"Why do you look like that, Stella?
Mean to say he isn't straight ?" "I didn't say anything." Stella still spoke wearily, albeit she was faintly smiling.

"I was only wondering." "Wondering what ?" Tommy's voice had a hint of sharpness; he looked momentarily aggressive.
"Just wondering how much you knew of him, that's all," she made answer.
"I know as much as any one," asserted Tommy quickly.

"He's a man to be honoured.

I'd stake my life on that.

He is incapable of anything mean or underhand." Stella was silent.