Shall we talk of something less agitating?
I can't have you crying on our wedding-night." His tone was repressive.

She was conscious of a chill.

Yet it was a relief to turn from the subject, for she recognized that there was small satisfaction to be derived therefrom.

The sun was setting moreover, and it was growing cold.

She let him lead her back into the bungalow, and they presently sat down at the table that Peter had prepared with so much solicitude.
Later they lingered for awhile on the verandah, watching the blazing stars, till it came to Monck that his bride was nearly dropping with weariness and then he would not suffer her to remain any longer.
When she had gone within, he lit a pipe and wandered out alone into the starlight, following the deserted road that led to the Rajah's summer palace.
He paced along slowly with bent head, deep in thought.