"What did he tell you, Nick?"
Nick hesitated momentarily. "He spoke in confidence," he said then.
"You won't tell me?" she asked quickly.
"Sorry; I can't," said Nick.
Olga sat up. A sudden idea had begun to illumine her brain. "Nick tell me this—anyhow! Did Violet's mother do—something dreadful?"
"Look here, Olga mia!" said Nick severely. "I know you can't help being a woman, but you're not to look at your neighbour's cards. It's against the rules."
She laughed a little. "Forgive me, Nick! I suppose supper is ready. I'll come down."
They went down together, to find Violet thrumming her mandolin in the twilight for the benefit of Max who was stretched at full length on the drawing-room sofa. The three boys were scudding about the garden like puppies.
As Olga and Nick entered, Violet looked up from her instrument. "I'm wondering if Sir Kersley would like to adopt me as well as Max. Do you think he would?"
"Exceedingly doubtful," said Max, rising.