Part 29 (2/2)

Stella s.h.i.+vered.

”He is coming!” said Peter.

She started up. 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. Its deadly quietness made her tremble.

”I haven't finished,” she said. ”I have been waiting for you.”

”You needn't have done that,” he said. ”I won't have any, Peter,” he turned on the waiting servant, ”get me some brandy!”

He sat down, setting her free. But she remained beside him, and after a moment laid her hand lightly upon his shoulder, without words.

He reached up instantly, caught and held it in a grip that almost made her wince. ”Stella,” he said, ”it's been a very short honeymoon, but I'm afraid it's over. I've got to get back at once.”

”I am coming with you,” she said quickly.

He looked up at her with eyes that burned with a strange intensity but he did not speak in answer.

An awful dread clutched her. She knelt swiftly down beside him.

”Everard, listen! I don't care what has happened or what is likely to happen. My place is by your side--and nowhere else. I am coming with you. Nothing on earth shall prevent me.”

Her words were quick and vehement, her whole being pulsated. She challenged his look with eyes of s.h.i.+ning resolution.

His arms were round her in a moment; he held her fast. ”My Stella! My wife!” he said.

She clung closely to him. ”By your side, I will face anything. You know it, darling. I am not afraid.”

”I know, I know,” he said. ”I won't leave you behind. I couldn't now.

But a time will come when we shall have to separate. We've got to face that.”

”Wait till it comes!” she whispered. ”It isn't--yet.”

He kissed her on the lips. ”No, not yet, thank heaven. You want to know what has happened. I will tell you. Ermsted--you know Ermsted--was shot in the jungle near Khanmulla this afternoon, about half an hour ago.”

”Oh, Everard!” She started back in horror and was struck afresh by the awful intentness of his eyes.

”Yes,” he said. ”And if I had been here to receive that message, I could have prevented it.”

”Oh, Everard!” she said again.

He went on doggedly. ”I ought to have been here. My agent knew I was in the place. I ought to have stayed within reach. These warnings might arrive at any time. I was a d.a.m.ned lunatic, and Ermsted has paid the price.” He stopped, and his look changed. ”Poor girl! It's been a shock to you,” he said, ”a beastly awakening for us both.”

Stella was very pale. ”I feel,” she said slowly, ”as if I were pursued by a remorseless fate.”

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