Was it the atmosphere of the place that made her morbid? Or was there indeed some evil influence at work in her friend's life which she by her headlong action had somehow rendered active? Before they left the Priory, she had begun to repent almost passionately the impulse that had taken her thither. But wherefore she thus repented she could not have explained. CHAPTER V THE CHAPERON "It's very kind of Olga to provide us with distractions," said Nick, as he dropped into an arm-chair, with a cigar, "but I almost think we are better off without them. If I see much of that girl, it will upset my internal economy. Is she real by any chance?" "Haven't you ever seen her before?" asked Max. "Several times, but never for long together. Jove! What a face she has!" He turned his head sharply, and looked up at Max who stood on the hearth-rug. "You're not wildly enthusiastic over her anyhow," he observed. "Are you really indifferent or only pretending?" "I?" The corners of Max's mouth went down. He stuffed his pipe into one of them and said no more. Nick continued to regard him with interest for some seconds. Suddenly he laughed. "Do you know, Wyndham," he said, "I should awfully like to give you a word of advice?" "What on?" Max did not sound particularly encouraging. He proceeded to light his pipe with exceeding deliberation. He despised cigars. Nick closed his eyes. "In my capacity of chaperon," he said. "It's a beastly difficult position by the way. I'm weighed down by responsibility." "So I've noticed," remarked Max drily. "Well, you haven't done much to lighten the burden," said Nick. "I suppose you haven't realized yet that I am one of the gods that control your destiny." "Well, no; I hadn't." Max leaned against the mantelpiece and smoked, with his face to the ceiling. "I knew you were a species of deity of course. I've been told that several times. And I humbly beg to offer you my sympathy." "Thanks!" Nick's eyes flashed open as if at the pulling of a string. "If it isn't an empty phrase, I value it." "I don't deal in empty phrases as a rule," said Max. "Quite so. Only with a definite end in view? I hold that no one should ever do or say anything without a purpose." "So do I," said Max. Nick's eyes flickered over him and closed again. "Then, my dear chap," he said, "why in Heaven's name make yourself so damned unpleasant?" "So what?" said Max. "What I said." Coolly Nick made answer. "It's not an empty phrase," he added. "You will find a meaning attached if you deign to give it the benefit of your august consideration." Max uttered a grim, unwilling laugh. "I suppose you are privileged to say what you like," he said. "I observe certain limits," said Nick. "And you never make mistakes?"