Monck was returning.

He came up the compound like a man who has been beaten in a race.

His face was grey, his eyes terrible.
Stella went swiftly to the verandah-steps to meet him.

"Everard! What is it?
Oh, what is it ?" she said.
He took her arm, turning her back.

"Have you had tea ?" he said.
His voice was low, but absolutely steady.