Tommy put down the letter and lay still, peering forth under frowning brows. 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. "I hope she is all right," he said formally.
His voice sounded pre-occupied. It did not convey to Tommy the idea that he was greatly interested in his reply.
He answered with something of an effort. "I believe she is. She doesn't really say. I wish they had been content to stay at Bhulwana. I could have got leave to go over and see her there."
"Where exactly are they now?" asked Monck.
Tommy explained to the best of his ability. "Srinagar seems their nearest point of civilization. They are camping in the wilderness, but they will have to move before long. Dacre's leave will be up, and they must allow time to get back. Stella talks as if they are fixed there for ever and ever."
"She is enjoying it then?" Monck's voice still sounded as if he were thinking of something else.
Tommy made grudging reply. "I suppose she is, after a fashion. I'm pretty sure of one thing." He spoke with abrupt force. "She'd enjoy it a deal more if I were with her instead of Dacre."
Monck laughed, a curt, dry laugh. "Jealous, eh?"
"No, I'm not such a fool." The boy spoke recklessly. "But I know--I can't help knowing--that she doesn't care twopence about the man. What woman with any brains could?"
"There's no accounting for women's tastes or actions at any time," said Monck. "She liked him well enough to marry him."
Tommy made an indignant sound. "She was in a mood to marry any one. She'd probably have married you if you'd asked her."
Monck made an abrupt movement as if he had lost his balance, but he returned to his former position immediately. "Think so?" he said in a voice that sounded very ironical. "Then possibly she has had a lucky escape. I might have been moved to ask her if she had remained free much longer."