But when Lady Harriet threw discretion to the winds and desired to know if it were generally believed in official circles that the Rajah was implicated, he raised his brows in stern surprise and replied that so far as his information went the Rajah was a loyal servant of the Crown.
Lady Harriet was snubbed, and she felt the effects of it for the rest of the evening.

Walking home with her husband through the starlight later, Stella laughed a little over the episode; but Monck was not responsive.
He seemed engrossed in thought.
He went with her to her room, and there bade her good-night, observing that he had work to do and might be late.
"It is already late," she said.

"Don't be long! I shall only lie awake till you come." He frowned at her.

"I shall be very angry if you do." "I can't help that," she said.

"I can't sleep properly till you come." He looked her in the eyes.