"That was fairly direct certainly," said Nick. "And he?"
"He asked me to dine," said Max.
Nick laughed. "And you didn't accept?"
"Would you have accepted?" Max turned on him almost savagely.
"I think I should," said Nick. "There's nothing like studying the enemy from close quarters. But go ahead! Tell me more! When do you expect her people back?"
"Possibly in a fortnight. They have been gone that time already—rather more. And they expected to make a month of it."
Nick nodded. "We ought to be able to hold the fort for that time. What did your friend Sir Kersley think?"
Max lifted one eyebrow. "What did he say to you about it?"
Nick struck a match for his cigarette with considerable dexterity.
"About Violet—practically nothing. About her mother—a good deal."
"I wonder why." Max spoke somewhat curtly.