"Ever yours to command!" said Nick. He went to her, stooping while the arms wound round his neck.
She held him tightly. "Nick," she whispered, "is Noel still here?"
"No, darling. Do you want him?"
She drew a sharp breath. "I—I'm afraid I—dodged him a little while ago. I simply couldn't meet him just then. Has he been looking for me? Did he wonder where I was?"
"Don't think so," said Nick. "He was playing with the kids. He is spending a couple of nights with the Musgraves, and he brought Peggy over."
"And he has gone again?" Faint wonder sounded in her voice.
"Only temporarily. He wanted to send a message to someone from the post-office; but he is coming back—presumably—for Peggy."
"I see." She was silent for a few moments, and Nick sat down on the edge of the bed. "Nick," she said at length, speaking with obvious effort, "will he—will he be very hurt, do you think, if—if I don't see him to-day?"
"Shouldn't say so, darling," said Nick.
She slipped her hand into his. "I've got to do a lot of thinking, Nick," she said rather piteously.