"I expect he will, dear, now he knows I'm here." Violet subsided into the vacant chair with a languid smile at Nick who offered it to her. Her eyes were wonderfully bright, but the lids were heavy. "I'm horribly sleepy still," she said. "Give me some tea, quick, to wake me up! Max, I haven't the energy to amuse you, so you may consider yourself excused."
"Many thanks!" said Max. "I am going to give myself the pleasure of waiting upon you."
"Nick can do that," said Olga. "Do go and get a rest!"
"My dear, if you show yourself so anxious to be rid of him, he'll stay," protested Violet. "Haven't you discovered that yet? You should display an elegant indifference, a pray-stay-if-you've-a-mind-to-but-don't- imagine-that-I-want-you kind of attitude. There are not many men who can face that for long." She broke off to yawn. "No, thanks. Nothing to eat. I'm too sleepy. Well, Nick, have you settled the affairs of the nation satisfactorily?"
"On the contrary. The nation is trying to settle mine," said Nick.
"Oh, really! What more could anyone want you to do?"
"I'm specially qualified for many things, it seems," said Nick modestly.
"What has Hunt-Goring been here for?"
"Managed to break his thumb," said Max.
"Yes, and stayed philandering all the afternoon," chimed in Violet. "How did you manage to get rid of him, Allegro? He wouldn't go for me."
"Dr. Wyndham came back early and sent him home in the car," said Olga, with a slight effort.