Stella was at the window, looping back the curtains.

The vague sunlight still smote across the dripping compound; the whole plain was smoking like a mighty cauldron.
Stella finished her task and stood still.
Across the silence came Monck's voice.

"Aren't you going to give me my medicine ?" She turned slowly round.

"I think you are nearly equal to doctoring yourself now," she said.
He was lying raised on his elbow, his eyes, intent and searching, fixed upon her.

Abruptly, in a different tone, he spoke.