He went through the house with her to the garden where tea awaited him.
Max was seated alone beside the little table under the trees.
"You're not a very large party," commented Nick.
"Best we can do under the circumstances," said Max. "The kids are still paper-chasing, and Miss Campion, overcome by the heat, has retired to bed. I propose to follow her example if the company will excuse me. I only put in two hours last night, and may have to attend another case to-night. Here, Ratcliffe, you can have my chair."
"Are you coming down to dinner?" asked Olga.
"I am," he said.
"Because you needn't. I can send it up."
"Thanks! I'll come down," said Max.
He turned away towards the house, but stopped abruptly as Violet suddenly sauntered forth. She was yawning as she came.
"Good people, pray excuse me! I'm always sleepy after a motor-run. What has become of the dear major, Allegro? You haven't banished him already!"
"Did you think he was going to live here?" said Olga, with a very unwonted touch of asperity.