Tommy, though regretful, consoled himself by the ready means of the station's gaieties, played tennis with zest, inaugurated a gymkhana, and danced practically every night into the early morning.

He was a delightful companion for little Tessa Ermsted who followed him everywhere and was never snubbed, an inquiring mind notwithstanding.

Truly a nice boy was Tommy, as everyone agreed, and the regret was general when his leave began to draw to a close.
On the afternoon of his last day he made his appearance on the verandah of The Grand Stand for tea, with his faithful attendant at his heels, to find his sister reclining there for the first time on a _charpoy_ well lined with cushions, while Mrs.Ralston presided at the tea-table beside her.
She looked the ghost of her former self, and for a moment though he had visited her in bed only that morning, Tommy was rudely startled.
"Great Jupiter!" he ejaculated.

"How ill you look!" She smiled at his exclamation, while his small, sharp-faced companion pricked up attentive ears.

"Do people look like that when they're going to die ?" she asked.
"Not in the least, dear," said Mrs.Ralston tranquilly.