"But I don't lead a hermit's existence.

I am going to the officers' picnic at Khanmulla on the twenty-fourth for instance." "Being a case of 'Needs must'," suggested Stella.
"By no means." Monck leaned forward to light another cigarette.

"I am going for a particular purpose.

If that purpose is not fulfilled--" he paused a moment and she felt his eyes upon her again--"I shall come straight back," he ended with a certain doggedness of determination that did not escape her.
Stella's gaze was fixed upon the court below her and she kept it there, but she saw nothing of the game.

Her heart was beating oddly in leaps and jerks.