Tommy advanced with all a host's solicitude.
"Oh, I say, I'm awfully sorry to have kept you waiting so long.

That silly ass of a _khit_ had cleared off and left us nothing to drink.
Stella, we shall miss all the fun if we don't hurry up.

Come on, Monck, old chap, say when!" He stopped at the table, and Stella turned from the window and moved forward.

Her face was pale, but she was smiling.
"Captain Monck is coming with us, Tommy," she said.
"What ?" Tommy looked up sharply.

"Really?
I say, Monck, I'm pleased.
It'll do you good." Monck was smiling also, faintly, grimly.