Will, Hunt-Goring, Max, and Nick sat down to play bridge when it was finally over--at the suggestion of Hunt-Goring, who displayed not the smallest desire to seek her out. It seemed as though all memory of their former relations had passed completely from his mind. Neither by word nor look did he attempt to recall old times. And gradually Olga became reassured. His fancy for her had quite obviously evaporated. He scarcely so much as glanced her way. Could it have been mere coincidence that had brought him there? she began to ask herself. Stranger things had happened; and he was plainly on intimate terms with his hostess, rather more intimate than Daisy's manner seemed to justify. But then familiarity with women was one of his main characteristics, as she knew but too well. He had not been able to exercise this much at Weir. She suspected that boredom alone had induced him to pursue her so persistently. In any case, it was over. He cared for her no more and was at no pains to conceal the fact, which she on her part recognized with profound relief. She went with Daisy to the drawing-room, leaving the card-players established in Will's especial den. Noel airily accompanied them, and sang a few songs at the piano, as much for his own pleasure as theirs. He was in a particularly charming mood, and was evidently determined to enjoy himself to the utmost. But he was not minded to give them too much of his society, and presently he slipped away to take a peep at Peggy. "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. Olga looked at her with clear, direct eyes. "Oh, yes, I love him. But I don't try to think he is nicer than he really is. Nice or horrid, I love him just the same." "Do you know any horrid things about him, then?" Daisy asked. Olga laughed again. "I knew the horrid part of him first," she said. "Why, I--I almost hated him once." "And then you changed your mind," said Daisy.