"Violet! How can you say those things?"
"I always say whatever occurs to me," said Violet. "It's so much simpler. Mrs. Briggs was all the mother I ever knew or wanted. Of course as soon as Bruce settled down, I was taken to live with them. But I never liked either of them. They always resented the Judge's second marriage."
"Why didn't he take care of you himself?" asked Olga.
"My dear, he was dead. He died before she did. He was assassinated by a native before they had been married three months. I've always thought it was rather poor-spirited of her to die too; for of course she never cared for him. She must have married him only to pique Kersley. By the way, Major Hunt-Goring met them in his subaltern days. He said everyone fell in love with her. I supposed that included himself, and he smiled and said, 'Calf-love, señorita!' Allegro, I wonder if I really like that man."
"I'm sure you don't," said Olga quickly. "You couldn't."
"But I must amuse myself with someone," reasoned Violet pathetically.
"Besides, he gives me such lovely cigarettes. Have one, Allegretto. Do!"
"No!" said Olga almost fiercely.
"I will, Miss Campion." Coolly Max came forward from the open window behind them. "You promised me one, you know."
"Did I?" She tossed him her cigarette-case carelessly. "They are not made for masculine palates. However, as you are so anxious—"
"Thank you," he said.