She disliked Lady Harriet, she distrusted Mrs.Burton, and more often than not she remained away.

The coming Christmas festivities did not attract her.

She held aloof till Tommy who was in the thick of everything suddenly and vehemently demanded her presence.
"It's ridiculous to be so stand-offish," he maintained.

"Don't let 'em think you're afraid of 'em! Come anyway to the moonlight picnic at Khanmulla on Christmas Eve! It's going to be no end of a game." Stella smiled a little.

"Do you know, Tommy, I think I'd rather go to bed ?" "Absurd!" declared Tommy.