"I did." Sir Reginald spoke soberly again. "If we hadn't been prepared, the whole of Markestan would have been ablaze by now from end to end." "Instead of which, you have only permitted us a fizz, a few bangs, and a splutter-out, as Tommy describes it," remarked Bernard. "And you haven't even caught the Rajah." "I wasn't out to catch him," said Sir Reginald. "But I will tell you who I am out to catch, though I am afraid I am applying in the wrong quarter." Bernard's eyes gleamed with a hint of malicious amusement. "I thought my health was not primarily responsible for the honour of your visit, sir," he said. "No," said Sir Reginald, with simplicity. "I really came because I want to take you into my confidence, and to ask for your confidence in return." "I thought so," said Bernard, and slowly shook his head. "I'm afraid it's no go. I am sealed." "Ah! And that even though I give you my word it would be to your brother's interest to break the seal?" questioned Sir Reginald. Bernard's eyes suddenly drooped under their red brows. "And betray my trust?" he said lazily. "I beg your pardon," said Sir Reginald. He finished his drink with a speed that suggested embarrassment, but the next moment he smiled. "You had me there, padre. I withdraw the suggestion. I should not have made it if I could see the man himself. But he has disappeared, and even Barnes, who knows everything, can't tell us where to look for him." "Neither can I," said Bernard. "I am not in his confidence to that extent." "Why don't you ask his wife?" a low voice said. Both men started. Sir Reginald sprang to his feet. "Mrs. Monck!" "Yes," Stella said. She stood a moment framed in the French window, looking at him. Then she stepped forward with outstretched hand. The morning sunshine caught her as she moved. She was very pale and her eyes were deeply shadowed, but she was exceedingly beautiful. "I heard your voices," she said, looking at Sir Reginald, while her hand lay in his. "I didn't mean to listen at first. But I was tempted, because you were talking of--my husband, and--" she smiled at him faintly, "I fell." "I think you were justified," Sir Reginald said. "Thank you," she answered gently. She turned from him to Bernard, and bending kissed him. "Are you better? Peter told me it wasn't serious. I would have come to you sooner, but I was asleep for a very long time, and afterwards--Everard wanted me." "Everard!" he said sharply. "Is he here?" "Sit down!" murmured Sir Reginald, drawing forward his chair. But Stella remained standing, her hand upon Bernard's shoulder. "Thank you. But I haven't come to stay. Only to tell you--just to tell you--all the things that Bernard couldn't, without betraying his trust." "My dear, dear child!" Bernard broke in quickly, but Sir Reginald intervened in the same moment. "No, no! Pardon me! Let her speak! She wishes to do so, and I--wish to listen."