He could hear Monck's footsteps coming through the gate of the compound, but he was not paying any attention to Monck for once.

His troubled mind scarcely even registered the coming of his friend.
Only when the latter mounted the steps on to the verandah and began to move along it, did he turn his head and realize his presence.

Monck came to a stand beside him.
"Well, Tommy," he said, "isn't it time to turn in ?" Tommy sat up.

"Oh, I suppose so.

Infernally hot, isn't it?
I've been reading Stella's letter." Monck lodged his shoulder against the window-frame.