"Nick!"
"Well?" Nick paused as if reluctant.
Very deliberately Max followed him. They stood face to face. "You will remember what I have said," Max said, with slow emphasis.
"I'm not very likely to forget it," said Nick.
"And you will abstain from interference in this matter?" Max's voice was emotionless, but it had a certain quality of compulsion notwithstanding.
Nick's eyes darted over him. His whole frame stiffened slightly. "If you think I am going to bind myself hand and foot by a promise, you're mistaken," he said.
"I am only asking you to let matters take their course," said Max, unmoved.
"Circumstances may make that impossible," said Nick.
"They may. In that case, you are free to act as you think fit. But I don't think they will—and—damn it, Nick, it isn't much to ask. It's for her sake."
A tinge of feeling suddenly underran his speech. He flushed slowly and deeply; but he stood his ground.