"I shan't wake her," he said; but apparently he found his small adorer awake, for he did not return.
"He's a dear boy," said Daisy.
Olga assented warmly. "I shall love him for a brother."
Daisy smiled faintly. "Poor Noel! I'm afraid that is scarcely the sort of appreciation he wants."
Olga flushed. She was standing near the window, her girlish face outlined against the dark. Very young and slender she looked standing there, scarcely more than a child; and Daisy's heart went out to her in a sudden rush of almost passionate tenderness. She rose impulsively and joined her. She slipped a warm arm round her waist.
Olga glanced at her in momentary surprise, then swiftly responded to the caress. She leaned her cheek against Daisy's shoulder.
"You see," she said, "I met Max first."
"I see, dear," said Daisy. She hesitated a moment. "And Max is your ideal of all that a man should be?" she asked then.
"Oh, no!" said Olga. She gave a little laugh. "No; Nick is that, and always has been. I don't think anyone could idealize Max, do you?"
"But you love him?" said Daisy.