THE OASIS For two months Tommy possessed his impulsive soul in patience.

For two months he watched Monck go his impassive and inscrutable way, asking no further question.

The gaieties of the station were in full swing.
Christmas was close at hand.
Stella was making definite plans for departure in the New Year.

She could not satisfy herself with an idle life, though Tommy vehemently opposed the idea of her going.

Monck never opposed it.